Rajasthan

Area : 3,42,239 sq km

Population: 5,64,73,122; growth rate (1991-2001); 28.33%

Density per sq km: 165

Sex ratio (females per 1,000 males): 922

Literacy rate: 61. 03% (males: 76.46% females: 44.34%

Capital: Jaipur

No. of Districts: 32

Legislature: Unicameral

Principal Languages: Hindi and Rajasthani

Important Cities, Towns and Religious/ Tourist Places:

Ajmer (Dargah of Khwaja Moinn-ud-Din Chishti, Mayo college, Pushkar ), Alwar (Sariska Tiger Sanctuary), Banswara, Barmer, Bharatpur (historic fort, Keoladeo Ghana Bird sanctuary) Bhilwara, Bikaner (a desert city), Known for 16th century Lalgarh Palace built by Raja Rai Singh), Bundi, Chittorgarh (founded by great Rajput resistance hero, Bappa Rawal in 734 AD was centre of Rajput resistance against Mughal rule, Famous for Chittor Fort, Kirti Stambha [Tower of Fame ], Jai Stambha [Tower of Victory] Meena Temple, Rana Kumbba Palace), Churu, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Ganganagar, Jaipur (pink rose capital city of the State, known for Maharaja Palace, Hawa Mahal [Palace of Winds], Jantar Mantra Observatory, Museum and Ram Niwas Garden.

The 17th century old Palace of Amber is located 11 km from here), Jaisalmer, Jalor, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhur ( a city of seven gates, Guland Sagar Lake, Hall of Heros), Kota, Mount Abu ( bill resort, Known for Dilwara Temples ( sacred to Jains), Nagaur, Nathdwara (12th century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna ), Pali, Sariska (wildlife sanctuary), Sawai Madhopur , Sikar, Sirohi, Tonk, Udaipur (founded by King of Mewar Maharana Udai Singh , it is known as "City of Sunrise " and Venice of the East ", Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Picchola, Raj Mahal, Jag Mandir Palace, Jag Nivas Palace ).

Judicature: High Court at Jodhpur (also has a bench at Jaipur).

Location: Located in north - west India, Rajasthasn is bounded north by Punjab, north -east by haryana and Uttar Pradesh, east by Madhya pradesh, south by Gujarat and west by Pakistan. Rajasthan is the largest State of the Indian union in terms of its size.

History:

Rajasthan was preciously known as Rajputana - the land of Raiputs whose history goes back to the pre - historic times. The Indus Valley Civilisation also flourished here and many ruins of Harappan age have been located in the State. The legendary heroes of medieval ages like Rana Sanga and Maharana Pratap always inspire us with feelings of patriotism but during the 19th century, all Rajput States accepted the suzerainty of the British.

After Independence, as a result of the implementation of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, the erstwhile state of Ajmer, Abu Taluka of Bombay State and the Sunel Tappa enclave of the former State of Madhya Bharat were transferred to the State of Rajasthan on November 1, 1956, whereas the Sironj sub - division of Rajasthan was transferred to the state of Madhya Pradesh. The State now comprises of 32 districts.

Economy:

About 19 percent of the total sown area in Rajas than is under irrigation. Agricultural production is mainly dependent on rainfall. Jowar, bajra, maize , gram, wheat, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane and tobacco are the main crops.

India's entire output of lead and zinc concentrates; emeralds and garnets are found in rajasthan. Similarly, 94 percent of country's gypsum, 76 percent of silver ore, 84 percent of asbestos, 68 percent of felspar and 12 percent of mica are mined in the State. Rich salt deposits are available at Sambhar and other places. Khetri and Dariba are known for copper mines.

The major industries of rajasthan include textiles, rugged and woollen goods, sugar, cement, glass, sodium producing plant, oxygen and acetylene producing units, manufacture of pesticides, insecticides and vegetable dyes, zinc smelter, 'fertiliser, railway wagons, ball bearings, water and electric meters, etc. Manufacture of caustic soda, calcium carbide, nylon and tyre cord and copper smelting are the other enterprising units. Rajasthan is also known for handicrafts, the important being marble work, woollen carpets , articles of leather, pottery, jewellery, embroiddery and brass embossing. The first Export Promotion Industrial Park in the country is established at Sitapur in Jaippur district.

Airports : Kaipur, Jodhpur and Uddaipur.

Rajasthan State India