View source for Rajasthan

{{Refimprove|date=February 2010}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2010}}
{{Infobox state
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
| name                    = Rajasthan
| native_name             = राजस्थान
| type                    = [[States of India|State]]
| image_skyline           = Rajroyal.jpg
| image_alt               =
| image_caption           = Clockwise from top: The Oberoi Vanyavilas, [[Dilwara Temples]], [[Hawa Mahal]], [[Rajasthan Desert]], City Palace, Lake Palace, [[Umaid Bhavan Palace]]
| image_seal              = Seal of Rajasthan.jpg
| seal_alt                =
| image_map               = India Rajasthan locator map.svg
| map_alt                 =
| map_caption             = Location of Rajasthan in [[India]]
| image_map1              = Rajasthan locator map.svg
| map_caption1            = Map of Rajasthan
| latd		      = 26.57268
| longd  	      = 73.83902
| coor_pinpoint           = Jaipur
| coordinates_type        = region:IN-RJ_type:adm1st
| coordinates_display     = inline,title
| coordinates_footnotes   =
| coordinates_region      = IN-RJ
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = {{flag|India}}
| established_title       = Established
| established_date        = 1 November 1956
| parts_type              = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts_style             = para
| p1                      = [[Districts of Rajasthan|33 total]]
| seat_type               = Capital
| seat                    = [[Jaipur]]
| seat1_type              = Largest city
| seat1                   = Jaipur
| government_footnotes    =
| leader_title            = [[Governors of Rajasthan|Governor]]
| leader_name             = Dr. [[Shivraj Patil]]
| leader_title1           = [[Chief Ministers of Rajasthan|Chief&nbsp;Minister]]
| leader_name1            =  [[Ashok Gehlot]] ([[Indian National Congress|INC]])
| leader_title2           = [[Legislature of Rajasthan|Legislature]]
| leader_name2            = [[Unicameral]] (200 seats)
| leader_title3           = [[14th Lok Sabha|Parliamentary constituency]]
| leader_name3            = 25
| leader_title4           = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| leader_name4            = [[Rajasthan High Court]]
| unit_pref               = Metric<!-- or US or UK -->
| area_footnotes          =
| area_total_km2          = 342269
| area_note               =
| area_rank               = 1st
| elevation_footnotes     =
| elevation_m             =
| population_footnotes    =
| population_total        = 68621012
| population_as_of        = 2011
| population_rank         = 8th
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_note         =
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1             = +05:30
| iso_code                = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-RJ]]
| blank_name_sec1         = [[Human Development Index|HDI]]
| blank_info_sec1         = {{increase}} 0.637 (<span style="color:#fc0">medium</span>)
| blank1_name_sec1        = HDI rank
| blank1_info_sec1        = 21st (2005)
| blank_name_sec2         = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| blank_info_sec2         = 68% (20th)
| blank1_name_sec2        = Official languages
| blank1_info_sec2        = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]<!-- Neither Rajasthani nor Marwari is an official language of Rajasthan -->

| website                 = [http://www.rajasthan.gov.in rajasthan.gov.in]
| footnotes               =
}}

'''Rājasthān''' ({{lang-hi|राजस्थान}}, {{lang-raj|राजस्थाण}}, {{IPA-hns|raːdʒəsˈt̪ʰaːn|pron|Rajasthan.ogg}}) the land of [[Rajasthani people|Rajasthanis]], ("''the land of kings''"<ref>http://www.gfcmail.com/sqlimages/michelin/2068559013.pdf</ref> or "''the land of colours''"<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=eggCrlgpYMIC Let's Know Handicrafts of India] by Amar Tyagi, p. 52</ref>), is the [[List of states and territories of India by area|largest]] [[States and territories of India|state]] of the [[Republic of India]] by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert ([[Thar Desert]]), which has an edge paralleling the [[Sutlej]]-[[Indus]] river valley along its border with [[Pakistan]]. The state is bordered by Pakistan to the west, [[Gujarat]] to the southwest, [[Madhya Pradesh]] to the southeast, [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Haryana]] to the northeast and [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] to the north. Rajasthan covers an area of 132,150 sq&nbsp;mi or 342,239&nbsp;km². The proportion of the state's total area to the total area of the country is 10.41 per cent.

[[Jaipur]] is the [[List of state and union territory capitals in India|capital]] and the largest city of the state. Geographical features include the Thar Desert along north-western Rajasthan and the termination of the [[Ghaggar River]] near the archaeological ruins at [[Kalibanga]] of the [[Indus Valley Civilization]], which are the oldest in the [[Indian subcontinent]] discovered so far.

One of the world's oldest [[mountain range]]s, the [[Aravalli Range]], cradles the only [[hill station]] of Rajasthan, [[Mount Abu]], famous for [[Dilwara Temples]], a sacred pilgrimage for [[Jainism|Jains]]. Eastern Rajasthan has the world famous [[Keoladeo National Park]] near [[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]], a [[World Heritage Site]]<ref name="WorldHeritageList">{{Cite web
|title = World Heritage List
|url = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/340
}}</ref> known for its bird life. It also has two
national tiger reserves, [[Ranthambore National Park|Ranthambore]] and [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]], and a famous temple in Khatu, [[Sikar district]], dedicated to Khatu Shyam Ji. Rajasthan was formed on 30 March 1949, when the region known until then as [[Rajputana]], consisting of erstwhile princely states ruled by [[Rajput]]s, [[Jat]]s, [[Gurjar]]s, and [[Muslim]]s, merged into the [[Dominion of India]].

==Etymology==
The first mention of word ''Rajasthan'' comes from the work of [[James Tod]] (''Annals'') in 1829 A.D.<ref name="Kapil1999">{{cite book|author=F. K. Kapil|title=Rajputana states, 1817-1950|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=eCZuAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=24 June 2011|year=1999|publisher=Book Treasure|page=1}}</ref> Rajasthan literally means a ''Land of Kingdoms''. George Thomas (''Military Memories'') was the first in 1800 A.D., to term this region as ''Rajputana''.<ref name="Kapil1999"/>[[John Keay]] in his book, ''India: A History'' stated that the Rajputana name was coined by the British, but that the word even achieved a retrospective authenticity: in an 1829 translation of Ferishta's history of early Islamic India, John Briggs discarded the phrase Indian princes, as rendered in Dow's earlier version, and substituted Rajpoot princes.<ref>{{Cite book
 |title =India: a history
 |author=John Keay
 |publisher=Grove Press
 |year=2001
 |id= ISBN 0-8021-3797-0, ISBN 978-0-8021-3797-5
 |url=http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ibLUu6RlvqwC&pg=PA231&dq
 |pages =231–232
 |quote =Colonel James tod, who as the first British official to visit Rajasthan spent most of the 1820s exploring its political potential, formed a very different idea of "Rashboots".....and the whole region thenceforth became, for the British, 'Rajputana'.The word even achieved a retrospective authenticity, in 1829 translation of Ferishta's history of early Islamic India, John Briggs discarded the pharse 'Indian princes', as rendered in Dow's earlier version, and substituted 'Rajpoot princes'.}}</ref> Rajasthan was essentially the country of the [[Gurjar]]s.<ref>{{cite book|title=Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bombay, Volume 21|author=	Asiatic Society of Bombay|coauthor=Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Bombay Branch|publisher=|year=1904|page=416|quote=But this much is certain that Rajputana was essentially the country of the Gurjaras}}</ref> [[R. C. Majumdar]] explained that the region  was long known as ''Gurjaratra'' that is Country protected or ruled by the Gurjars, early form of Gujarat, before it came to be called Rajputana.<ref name="R.C. Majumdar 1994 263">{{Cite book|title=Ancient India|author=R.C. Majumdar|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ.|year=1994|id=ISBN 81-208-0436-8, ISBN 978-81-208-0436-4|page=263|url=http://books.google.co.in/books?id=XNxiN5tzKOgC&pg=PA263&dq}}</ref>

The only difference between erstwhile Rajputana and Rajasthan is that certain portions of what had been [[British India]], in the former province of [[Ajmer-Merwara]], were included. Portions lying geographically outside of Rajputana such as the Sumel-Tappa area were included in [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref>http://www.fortauwa.com/rajasthan-tour-travels.html</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Rajasthan}}
The [[Indus Valley Civilization]], one of the world's first and oldest civilizations, was located in parts of what is now Rajasthan. [[Kalibangan]] in [[Hanumangarh district]], Rajasthan was a major provincial capital of the Indus Valley Civilization.<ref>[https://www.amazines.com/Indus_Valley_Civilization_related.html INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION Related Articles arsenical bronze writing, literatur<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It is believed that [[Western Kshatrapas]] (405-35 BC) were [[Saka]] rulers of the western part of India (Saurashtra and Malwa: modern Gujarat, Southern Sindh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan). They were successors to the [[Indo-Scythians]], and were contemporaneous with the [[Kushans]] who ruled the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. The Indo-Scythians invaded the area of [[Ujjain]] and establish the [[Saka era]] (with [[Saka calendar]]), marking the beginning of the long-lived Saka [[Western Satraps]] state.<ref>"The dynastic art of the Kushans", John Rosenfield, p 130</ref>

Traditionally the [[Rajput]]s, [[Charan]]s, [[Yadav caste|Yadav]]s, [[Jat people|Jats]], [[Bhil]]s, [[Gurjar]]s, [[Bishnois]] and other tribes made a great contribution in building the state of Rajasthan. All these tribes suffered great difficulties in protecting their culture and the land. Millions<ref name="Thakur Deshraj">[[Thakur Deshraj]], [[Jat]] Itihas (Hindi), Maharaja Suraj Mal Smarak Shiksha Sansthan, Delhi, 1934, 2nd edition 1992 pp 587–588.</ref> of them were martyred trying to protect their land. Gurjars had been exterminated in [[Bhinmal]] and [[Ajmer]] areas fighting with the invaders. Bhils once ruled [[Kota district|Kota]].<ref name="Thakur Deshraj"/> Meenas were rulers of [[Bundi]] and [[Dhundhar]] region.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}

[[File:Chittorgarh Fort.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Chittorgarh Fort]] is one of the largest forts in Asia.]]
Gurjars ruled many dynasties in this part of the country. In fact this region was long known as ''Gurjaratra''.<ref name="R.C. Majumdar 1994 263"/> Up to the tenth century almost the whole of [[North India]], excepting [[Bengal]], owned supremacy of Gurjars with their seat of power at [[Kannauj]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bombay, Volume 21|author=Asiatic Society of Bombay|coauthor=Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Bombay Branch|publisher=|year=1904|page=432|quote=Up to the tenth century almost the whole of North India, excepting Bengal, owned their supremacy at Kannauj.}}</ref> [[Gurjar Pratihar|Gurjar Pratihar Empire]] acted as barrier for [[Arab]] invaders from 6th to 11th century. The chief credit of Gurjara Pratihara empire lies in its successfully resistance to the foreign invasions from the west, from the days of [[Junaid]]. Historian [[R. C. Majumdar|Majumdar]], say that this was frankly recognized by the Arab writers themselves. He further clears that historians of India have wondered at the slow progress of Muslim invaders in India, as compared with their rapid advance in other parts of the world. Now, there can be little doubt that it was the power of the Gurjara Pratihara army that effectively barred the progress of the Muslims beyond the confines of [[Sindh]], their first conquest for nearly three hundred years.<ref>{{Cite book|title=History of Ancient India: Earliest Times to 1000 A. D.|author=Radhey Shyam Chaurasia|page=207 to 208|id=ISBN 81-269-0027-X, ISBN 978-81-269-0027-5|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Distributors|year=2002}}</ref>

[[Image:Mehrangarh Fort.jpg|thumb|left|The iconic [[Mehrangarh Fort]] built by [[Rao Jodha]] in 1459.]]
The earlier contributions of warriors and protectors of the land Vishnois, [[Ahir]]s, [[Gurjar]]s, Jats, Bhils and Meenas were neglected and lost in history due to stories of valour shown by certain specific clans in later years graining more prominence over older acts of bravery.<ref name="Dr Natthan Singh">Dr Natthan Singh, ''Jat-Itihas'', (Jat History), [[Jat Samaj Kalyan Parishad]], F-13, Dr Rajendra Prasad Colony, Tansen marg, Gwalior, M.P, India 474 002 2004, page-91</ref>

Rajasthan means the ''Land of the Kings.'' Modern Rajasthan includes most of [[Rajputana]], which comprises mainly the erstwhile Rajput kingdoms as well as two Jat kingdoms and a [[Muslim]] kingdom. [[Marwar]] (Jodhpur), [[Bikaner]], [[Mewar]] (Udaipur), [[Alwar]] and [[Dhundhar]] (Jaipur) were some of the main Rajput states. The Jats were rulers in [[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]] and [[Dholpur]]. [[Tonk (princely state)|Tonk]] was ruled by a [[Muslim]] [[Nawab]]. Rajput families rose to prominence in the 6th century CE. The Rajputs put a very valiant resistance to the Islamic invasions and protected  this land with their warfare and chivalry for more than 500 years. They also resisted [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] incursions into India, but contributed to the slower than anticipated access to the [[Indian Subcontinent]]. Later the Mughals, with a technique based on a combination of treachery and skilled warfare were able to set firm a grip on northern India, including Rajasthan. The fighter spirit and valour of Rajputs impressed the Mughals to such an extent that even after defeating the Rajputs, the Mughals held their valour and value in the highest esteem. Mewar led other kingdoms in its resistance to outside rule. Most notably [[Rana Sanga]] fought the [[Battle of Khanua]] against [[Babur]], the founder of the Mughal empire.

[[Hemu|Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya]], the Hindu Emperor, also known as Hemu in the [[history of India]] was born in the village of Machheri in [[Alwar District]] in the year 1501. He had won 22 battles against Afghans, from [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] to [[Bengal]] and had defeated Akbar's forces twice at [[Agra]] and [[Delhi]] in 1556,<ref>Bhardwaj, K. K. "Hemu-Napoleon of Medieval India", Mittal Publications, New Delhi, p.25</ref> before acceeding to the throne of [[Delhi]] and establishing 'Hindu Raj' in [[North India]], albeit for a short duration, from [[Purana Quila]] in Delhi. He was killed in the [[Second Battle of Panipat]].

[[Image:RajaRaviVarma MaharanaPratap.jpg|thumb|left|[[Pratap Singh of Mewar|Maharana Pratap Singh]], legendary sixteenth century [[Rajput]] ruler of Rajasthan.]]
[[File:Hawa Mahal 2011.jpg|right|thumb|[[Hawa Mahal]] or "''Palace of Winds''" in [[Jaipur]].]]
[[Maharana Pratap]] of [[Mewar]] resisted [[Akbar]] in the famous [[Battle of Haldighati]] {1576) and later operated from hilly areas of his kingdom. Bhils were Maharana's main allies during these wars. Most of these attacks were evenly met as the Mughal forces outnumbered Mewar Rajputs in all the wars fought between them. The Haldighati war was fought between 10,000 Mewaris and a 100,000 strong Mughal force (including many Rajputs like [[Kachwaha]]s from Dhundhar).

Over the years the Mughals began to have internal disputes which took their concentration away at times. The Mughal Empire eventually weakened to which several groups across their kingdom saw opportunities to establish their power whilst the army was fighting somewhere else. The Rajputs saw this as an opportunity to reassert their independence. With the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, [[Rajputana]] came under attack by the [[Marathas]] and [[Pindaris]], and the Maratha general [[Scindia]] captured Ajmer.

The Rajput kings following a rapid defeat, concluded treaties with the British in the early 19th century, accepting British sovereignty in return for local autonomy. Following the Mughal tradition as well as its strategic location [[Ajmer]] became a province of British India, while the autonomous Rajput states, the Muslim state [[Tonk (princely state)|Tonk]], and the Jat states ([[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]] and [[Dholpur]]) were organized into the [[Rajputana Agency]].

Rajasthan's formerly independent kingdom created a rich architectural and cultural heritage, seen even today in their numerous forts and palaces (Mahals and [[Haveli]]s) which are enriched by features of Muslim and [[Jain]] architecture.

The development of the [[fresco]]s in Rajasthan is linked with the history of the Marwaris, who have also played a crucial role in the economic development of the region. Many wealthy families throughout Indian history have links to Marwar. These families include the legendary [[Birla family|Birla]], [[Bhandari]], Bajaj, Mittal and [[Mirza]] families{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}.

==Geography==
  
[[Image:Aravalli.jpg|thumb|The [[Aravalli Range]] adds diversity to the landscape of Rajasthan.]]
[[File:Désert-du-Thar.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Thar Desert]]]]
[[File:View from Jaigarh Fort, Rajasthan, India - 20061001.jpg|thumb|The hills around [[Jaipur]].]]
The main geographic features of Rajasthan are the [[Thar Desert]] and the [[Aravalli Range]], which runs through the state from southwest to northeast, almost from one end to the other, for more than 850&nbsp;km. [[Mount Abu]] is at the southwestern end of the range, separated from the main ranges by the [[West Banas River]], although a series of broken ridges continues into [[Haryana]] in the direction of [[Delhi]] where it can be seen as outcrops in the form of the [[Raisina Hill]] and the ridges farther north. About three-fifths of Rajasthan lies northwest of the Aravallis, leaving two-fifths on the east and south.

The northwestern portion of Rajasthan is generally sandy and dry. Most of the region is covered by the [[Thar Desert]], which extends into adjoining portions of Pakistan. The Aravalli Range does not intercept the moisture-giving southwest [[monsoon]] winds off the [[Arabian Sea]], as it lies in a direction parallel to that of the coming monsoon winds, leaving the northwestern region in a [[rain shadow]]. The Thar Desert is thinly populated; the town of [[Bikaner]] is the largest city in the desert. The [[Northwestern thorn scrub forests]] lie in a band around the Thar Desert, between the desert and the Aravallis. This region receives less than 400&nbsp;mm of [[rain]] in an average year. Temperatures can exceed 45 °C in the summer months and drop below freezing in the winter. The [[Godwar]], [[Marwar]], and [[Shekhawati]] [[List of regions in India|regions]] lie in the thorn scrub forest zone, along with the city of [[Jodhpur]]. The [[Luni River]] and its tributaries are the major river system of Godwar and Marwar regions, draining the western slopes of the Aravallis and emptying southwest into the great [[Rann of Kutch]] wetland in neighboring [[Gujarat]]. This river is saline in the lower reaches and remains potable only up to Balotara in Barmer district. The [[Ghaggar River]], which originates in [[Haryana]], is an intermittent stream that disappears into the sands of the Thar Desert in the northern corner of the state and is seen as a remnant of the primitive [[Saraswati]] river.

The Aravalli Range and the lands to the east and southeast of the range are generally more fertile and better watered. This region is home to the [[Kathiarbar-Gir dry deciduous forests]] ecoregion, with [[tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests|tropical dry broadleaf forests]] that include [[teak]], ''[[Acacia]]'', and other trees. The hilly [[Vagad]] region lies in southernmost Rajasthan, on the border with [[Gujarat]]. With the exception of Mount Abu, Vagad is the wettest region in Rajasthan, and the most heavily forested. North of Vagad lies the [[Mewar]] region, home to the cities of [[Udaipur]] and [[Chittaurgarh]]. The [[Hadoti]] region lies to the southeast, on the border with Madhya Pradesh. North of Hadoti and Mewar is the [[Dhundhar]] region, home to the state capital of [[Jaipur]]. [[Mewat]], the easternmost region of Rajasthan, borders [[Haryana]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Eastern and southeastern Rajasthan is drained by the [[Banas River|Banas]] and [[Chambal River|Chambal]] rivers, tributaries of the [[Ganges]].

The Aravali Range runs across the state from the southwest peak [[Guru Shikhar]] (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height, to [[Khetri]] in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the northwest of the range and 40% in the southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. The area includes the Thar Desert. The south-eastern area, higher in elevation (100 to 350 m above sea level) and more fertile, has a very diversified topography. in the south lies the hilly tract of [[Mewar]]. In the southeast, a large area within the districts of [[Kota district|Kota]] and [[Bundi]] forms a tableland. To the northeast of these districts is a rugged region (badlands) following the line of the [[Chambal River]]. Farther north the country levels out; the flat plains of the northeastern [[Bharatpur district]] are part of an [[alluvial]] basin.
[[Merta City ]] is the center of Rajasthan.

==Language==
{{Main|Rajasthani Language}}
Rajasthani  (although  constitutional status is pending) is the main spoken language although Hindi and English are used for official purpose.<ref>Grierson, George A. 1918. Linguistic Survey of India (Volume VIII, Part II). Calcutta: Government of India Press</ref> It is spoken by 130 million people in Rajasthan and other [[States and territories of India|states]] of [[India]].<ref>Census of India, 2001. Rajasthan. New Delhi: Government Press</ref>

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Rajasthan}}
[[File:A marble factory in Kishangarh .jpg|thumb|A marble quarry in Kishangarh Ajmer]]

[[Image:Jodhpurplant.jpg|thumb|Industrial plant near Jodhpur, Rajasthan.]]
Rajasthan's economy is primarily [[agricultural]] and [[pastoral]]. Wheat and [[barley]] are cultivated over large areas, as are [[pulse (legume)|pulses]], [[sugarcane]], and [[oilseed]]s. [[Cotton]] and tobacco are the state's cash crops. Rajasthan is among the largest producers of [[edible oil]]s in India and the second largest producer of [[oilseeds]]. Rajasthan is also the biggest [[wool]]-producing state in India and the main [[opium]] producer and consumer. There are mainly two crop seasons. The water for irrigation comes from wells and tanks. The [[Indira Gandhi Canal]] irrigates northwestern Rajasthan.

[[File:Rajasthan_canal_Shivender.jpg|thumb|Alt=Rajasthan Canal near Chhattargarh,Rajasthan(India)|Rajasthan Canal(Indira Gandhi Canal) passing through Thar desert near Chhatargarh [[Bikaner district]],Rajasthan]]
The main industries are mineral based, agriculture based, and [[textiles]]. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of [[polyester]] fibre in India. The [[Pali]] and [[Bhilwara District]] produces more cloth than [[Bhiwandi]], [[Maharashtra]] and the [[bhilwara]] is the largest city in suitings production and export and Pali is largest city in cotton and polyster in blouse pes and rubia production and export. Several prominent chemical and engineering companies are located in the city of [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], in southern Rajasthan. Rajasthan is pre-eminent in [[quarrying]] and mining in India. The [[Taj Mahal]] was built from the white marble which was mined from a town called [[Makrana]]. The state is the second largest source of [[cement]] in India. It has rich [[salt]] deposits at [[Sambhar, Rajasthan|Sambhar]], [[copper]] mines at [[Khetri]], [[Jhunjhunu]] and [[zinc]] mines at Dariba, Zawar mines at Zawarmala for [[zinc]], Rampura Aghucha (opencast) near [[Bhilwara]]. Dimensional stone mining is also undertaken in Rajasthan. Jodhpur [[sandstone]] is mostly used in monuments, important buildings and residential buildings. This stone is termed as "chittar patthar".

Rajasthan is now the preferred destination for IT companies and North India's largest integrated IT park is located in [[Jaipur]] and is named as [[Mahindra World City]] [[Jaipur]] covering nearly {{convert|3000|acre|km2}} of land. Some of the companies operating in Rajasthan include [[Infosys]], [[Genpact]], [[Wipro]], Truworth, Deutsche Bank, NEI, MICO, Honda Siel Cars, Coca Cola and Procter & Gamble.

==Tourism==
{{Main|Tourism in Rajasthan}}
[[File:Lake of Pushkar Ajmer .jpg|thumb|Lake of Pushkar in Ajmer ]]
[[Image:UmaidBhawan Exterior 1.jpg|thumb|The [[Umaid Bhawan Palace]] is one of the largest royal palaces in the world. ]]
[[Image:Worshippers leaving the temple in Ranakpur.jpg|thumb|The Jain temple of [[Ranakpur]].]]

Rajasthan attracted 14% of total foreign visitors during 2009-2010 which is fourth highest in all states of India. It positioned fourth place also in Domestic tourist visitors.<ref>[http://www.itopc.org/travel-requisite/inbound-tourism-statistics.html India Inbound Tourism Statistics, India Inbound Visitors Summary, India Tourism Statistics Inbound tourism Growth Statistics India<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>  Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, tourism is a flourishing industry in Rajasthan. The palaces of Jaipur, Ajmer-Pushkar, lakes of Udaipur, and desert forts of Jodhpur, targarh fort (star fort) in bundi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer rank among the most preferred destinations in India for many tourists both Indian and foreign. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state's domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels. Tourism has increased employment in the hospitality sector.

Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated [[haveli]]s, which were built by Rajput kings in previous ages, they were the soul of pre-Muslim era Rajasthan. [[Jantar Mantar]], [[Dilwara Temples]], [[Chittorgarh Fort]], [[Lake Palace]], bundi palace ,City Palaces, [[Jaisalmer]]  [ancient miniature in bundi ] [[Havelis]] are part of the true architectural heritage of India. [[Jaipur]], the Pink City, is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue ,in budi maximum houses are painted blue. At [[Ajmer]], the white marble Bara-dari on the [[Anasagar]] lake is exquisite. [[Jain Temples]] dot Rajasthan from north to south and east to west. [[Dilwara Temples]] of [[Mount Abu]], [[Ranakpur|Ranakpur Temple]] dedicated to Lord Adinath in Pali Dist., Jain temples in the fort complexes of [[Chittor]], [[Jaisalmer]] and [[Kumbhalgarh]], Lodurva Jain temples, Bhandasar and Karni mata Temple of [[Bikaner]] are some of the best examples.

Rajasthan is often called a shopper's paradise. Rajasthan is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts. The attractive designs of jewellery and clothes are eye-catching and invite shoppers. Rajasthani furniture has intricate carvings and bright colours. Rajasthani handicrafts are in demand due to the intricate work on them. Above all, Rajasthan's shopping appeals to both tourists and people from other parts of India due to its cheap prices for quality goods.

Bikaner is famous for its namkeens, Jaipur for its jewellery, Jodhpur for sweets and Jaisalmer for yellow stone, wall paintings of bundi.

==Culture==
[[File:Thar Khuri.jpg|thumb|Camel ride in the Thar desert near [[Jaisalmer]].]]
[[File:Decorated Indian elephant.jpg|thumb|A decorated [[Indian elephant]] during a fair in Jaipur, India]]
[[File:Rajasthani Dolls.JPG|thumb|Rajasthani Up-Down Dolls found in the road-side shops of [[Jaisalmer]], Rajasthan]]

Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. There is rich and varied [[folk culture]] from villages which is often depicted and is symbolic of the state. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music is uncomplicated and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores, more often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds.

The [[Ghoomar]] dance from Udaipur and [[Kalbeliya]] dance of [[Jaisalmer]] have gained international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthani culture. [[Kathputli (Puppet)|Kathputli]], [[Bhopa]], Chang, Teratali, Ghindr, Kachchhighori, [[Tejaji]]  etc. are the examples of the traditional Rajasthani culture. Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate heroic deeds and love stories; and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis (often accompanied by musical instruments like [[dholak]], [[sitar]], [[sarangi]] etc.) are also sung.

Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art.wall painting in bundi . The block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, and [[Zari]] embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, and blue pottery are some of the things commonly found here. Rajasthan is a shoppers' paradise, with beautiful goods found at low prices. Reflecting the colorful Rajasthani culture, Rajasthani clothes have a lot of mirror-work and embroidery. A Rajasthani traditional dress for females comprises an ankle length skirt and a short top, also known as a ''[[lehenga]]'' or a ''[[chaniya choli]]''. A piece of cloth is used to cover the head, both for protection from heat and maintenance of modesty. Rajasthani dresses are usually designed in bright colours like blue, yellow and orange.

The main religious festivals are [[Deepawali]], [[Holi]], [[Gangaur]], [[Teej]], [[Gogaji]], [[Devnarayan|Shri Devnarayan Jayanti]],  [[Makar Sankranti]] and [[Janmashtami]], as the main religion is [[Hinduism]]. Rajasthan's desert festival is celebrated with great zest and zeal. This festival is held once a year during winter. Dressed in brilliantly hued costumes, the people of the desert dance and sing haunting ballads of valor, romance and tragedy. There are fairs with snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk performers. Camels, of course, play a stellar role in this festival.

==Administration==
=== Government ===
{{Main|Government of Rajasthan}}
The current government in Rajasthan is that of [[Indian National Congress]]. The current Chief Minister is [[Ashok Gehlot]].

==Politics==
{{Main|Politics of Rajasthan}}
The Political life of Rajasthan is dominated by two major parties [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP), and [[Indian National Congress]].

==Districts==
{{Main|Districts of Rajasthan}}

Rajasthan is divided into 33 districts and seven divisions:

* Ajmer Division: [[Ajmer District|Ajmer]], [[Bhilwara District|Bhilwara]], [[Nagaur District|Nagaur]], [[Tonk District|Tonk]].
* Bharatpur Division: [[Bharatpur District|Bharatpur]], [[Dholpur District|Dholpur]], [[Karauli District|Karauli]], [[Sawai Madhopur District|Sawai Madhopur]].
* Bikaner Division: [[Bikaner District|Bikaner]], [[Churu District|Churu]], [[SriGanganagar District|SriGanganagar]], [[Hanumangarh District|Hanumangarh]].
* Jaipur Division: [[Jaipur District|Jaipur]], [[Alwar District|Alwar]], [[Jhunjhunu District|Jhunjhunu]], [[Sikar District|Sikar]], [[Dausa District|Dausa]].
* Jodhpur Division: [[Barmer District|Barmer]], [[Jaisalmer District|Jaisalmer]], [[Jalore District|Jalore]], [[Jodhpur District|Jodhpur]], [[Pali District|Pali]], [[Sirohi District|Sirohi]].
* Kota Division: [[Baran District|Baran]], [[Bundi District|Bundi]], [[Jhalawar District|Jhalawar]], [[Kota District|Kota]].
* Udaipur Division: [[Banswara district|Banswara]], [[Chittorgarh district|Chittorgarh]], [[Pratapgarh district (Rajasthan)|Pratapgarh]], [[Dungarpur district|Dungarpur]], [[Udaipur District|Udaipur]], [[Rajsamand District|Rajsamand]]

==Demographics==
[[File:Rajasthan folk dance.jpg|thumb|left|Locals performing traditional folk dance in Jaisalmer.]]
{{IndiaCensusPop
| title= Population Growth
| 1951= 15971000
| 1961= 20156000
| 1971= 25766000
| 1981= 34262000
| 1991= 44006000
| 2001= 56507000
| 2011= 68621000
| estimate=
| estyear=
| estref=
| footnote=Source:Census of India<ref name="Census Population">{{Cite web|url=http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf|title=Census Population|work=Census of India|publisher=Ministry of Finance India|accessdate=18 December 2008|format=PDF}}</ref>
}}
Rajasthan has a mainly [[Rajasthani people|Rajasthani]] population. [[Hindus]] account for 88.8% of the population.<ref name="censusindia1">[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/ Indian Census]</ref> [[Muslims]] make up 8.5%, [[Sikhs]] 1.4% and [[Jainism|Jains]] 1.2% of the population.<ref name="censusindia1"/> The state of Rajasthan is also populated by [[Sindhi people|Sindhis]], who came to Rajasthan from [[Sindh province]] (now in [[Pakistan]]) during the India-Pakistan separation in 1947.

The mother tongue of the majority of people in Rajasthan is [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]]. Rajasthani and [[Hindi]] are the most widely used languages in Rajasthan. Rajasthani is used as a medium of instruction, along with Hindi and English, in some schools. Some other languages used in Rajasthan are [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]] and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]].
{{See also|List of people from Rajasthan}}

==Education==
During recent years, Rajasthan has made significant progress in the area of education. The state government has been making sustained efforts to improve the educational standard. In recent decades, the [[literacy]] rate of Rajasthan has increased significantly. In 1991, the state's literacy rate was only 38.55% (54.99% male and 20.44% female). In 2001, the literacy rate increased to 60.41% (75.70% male and 43.85% female). This was the highest leap in the percentage of literacy recorded in India (the rise in female literacy being 23%).<ref>http://www.rajliteracy.org/Literacy.html </ref> At the Census 2011, Rajasthan had a literacy rate of 67.06% (80.51% male and 52.66% female). Although Rajasthan's literacy rate is below the national average of 74.04% and although its female literacy rate is the lowest in the country (closely followed by Bihar at 53.33%), the state has been praised for its efforts and achievements in raising both male and female literacy rates.<ref>http://www.census2011.co.in/news/81-rajasthan-literacy-rate-now-67-06-census-data.html</ref><ref>http://infopiper.com/2011/rajasthan-population-2011-growth-rate-literacy-sex-ratio-in-census-2011/</ref>

Rajasthan has nine universities and more than two hundred and fifty colleges, fifty five thousand primary and seven thousand four hundred secondary schools. There are forty-one engineering colleges with an annual enrollment of about 11,500 students. The state has twenty-three polytechnics and one-hundred and fifty-two Industrial Training Institute (ITIs) that impart vocational training to the students.<ref>http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rajasthan/education/</ref>

==Flora and fauna==

[[Image:Sonchiriya.jpg|thumb|right|[[Great Indian Bustard]]]]
Though a large percentage of the total area is desert, and even though there is little forest cover, Rajasthan has a rich and varied flora and fauna. The natural vegetation is classed as Northern Desert Thorn Forest (Champion 1936). These occur in small clumps scattered in a more or less open forms. Density and size of patches increase from west to east following the increase in rainfall.

Some [[wildlife]] species, which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the [[Great Indian Bustard]] ''(Ardeotis nigriceps)'', the [[Blackbuck]] ''(Antilope cervicapra)'', the [[Indian Gazelle]] ''(Gazella bennettii)'' and the [[Indian Wild Ass]].

The [[Desert National Park]], [[Jaisalmer]], spread over an area of 3162&nbsp;km², is an excellent example of the [[ecosystem]] of the Thar Desert, and its diverse [[fauna (animals)|fauna]]. Great Indian Bustard, Blackbuck, chinkara, desert fox, Bengal fox, wolf, desert cat etc. can be easily seen here. Seashells and massive [[fossilized]] tree trunks in this park record the geological history of the desert. The region is a haven for [[bird migration|migratory]] and resident birds of the desert. One can see many [[eagle]]s, [[harrier (bird)|harriers]], [[falcon]]s, [[buzzard]]s, [[kestrel]] and [[vulture]]s. [[Short-toed Eagle]]s ''(Circaetus gallicus)'', [[Tawny Eagle]]s ''(Aquila rapax)'', [[Spotted Eagle]]s ''(Aquila clanga)'', [[Laggar Falcon]]s ''(Falco jugger)'' and kestrels are the commonest of these.

The [[Ranthambore National Park]] located in [[Sawai Madhopur]], is one of the finest Tiger Reserves in the Country which became a part of [[Project Tiger]] in 1973.

The [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]] located in [[Alwar]] district, 200&nbsp;km from [[Delhi]] and 107&nbsp;km from Jaipur
covers an area of approximately 800&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.The area was declared a National Park in 1979.

[[Tal Chhapar Sanctuary]] is a very small sanctuary in [[Sujangarh]], [[Churu District]], 210&nbsp;km from [[Jaipur]], in the [[Shekhawati]] region. This sanctuary is home to a large population of graceful Blackbuck. [[Desert Fox]] and desert cat can also be spotted along with typical [[Bird|avifauna]] such as [[partridge]] and [[sand grouse]].

==Wildlife==
Rajasthan is also noted for National Parks and [[Wildlife]] Sanctuaries. There are four national park and wildlife sanctuaries named the  [[Keoladeo National Park]] of [[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]], [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]] of Alwar, [[Ranthambore National Park]] of Sawai Madhopur, and [[Desert National Park]] of Jaisalmer.

Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary are both known worldwide for their tiger population and considered by both wilderness lovers and photographers as the best places in India to spot tigers.  At one point, due to poaching and negligence, tigers became extinct here, but recently 5 tigers have been shifted here{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}} . Prominent among the wildlife sanctuaries are Mount Abu Sanctuary, Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary, [[Darrah National Park|Darrah Sanctuary]], Jaisamand Sanctuary, [[Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary]], Jawahar Sagar sanctuary and Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary.

There are a variety of wildlife species in Rajasthan, notably including the [[apex predator]] [[Caracal]], [[Caracal caracal]].<ref>C. Michael Hogan. 2009. [http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=35844 ''Caracal: Caracal caracal'', GlobalTwitcher.com, ed. N. Stromberg]</ref>

==Transport==
Rajasthan is connected by many national highways. Most renowned being [[NH 8]], which is India's first 4–8 lane highway. Rajasthan also has an inter-city surface transport system both in terms of railways and bus network. All chief cities are connected by air, rail and road.

'''By Air:''' There are three main airports at Rajasthan- Jaipur airport, Udaipur airport, and Jodhpur airport. These airports connect Rajasthan with the major cities of India such as Delhi and Mumbai. There are two other airports in Kota and Jaisalmer, but are not open for commercial/civilian flights.

'''By Rail:''' Rajasthan is connected with the main cities of India by rail. Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Udaipur and Jodhpur are the principal railway stations in Rajasthan. Kota City is the only Electrified Section served by three Rajdhani Expresses and trains to all major cities of India.

'''By Road:''' Rajasthan is well connected to the main cities of the country including [[Delhi]], [[Ahmedabad]] and [[Indore]] by State and National Highways and served by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation ([http://www.rsrtc.gov.in RSRTC]) and Private operators.

==Statistics==
* Population:68.6 million (2011 Census, estimated at more than 68 million now)
* Cities and Towns: 222
* Major cities:  [[Jaipur]], [[Jodhpur]], [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], [[Udaipur]], [[Ajmer]], [[Bikaner]] [[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]], [[Alwar]], [[Bhilwara]],  [[Sri Ganganagar]], [[Sikar]] and [[Hanumangarh]].
* Roads: 1,51,914&nbsp;km. (8,798&nbsp;km National Highway)
* National highways crossing Rajasthan: Delhi-Ahmedabad, Agra-Bikaner, Jaipur-Bhopal, Bhatinda-Kandla, Shivpuri-Kota, Kota-Udaipur and Pali-Ambala.
* Climate: Generally dry with monsoon during July–August
* Districts: 33
* Languages: English and Hindi commonly used, as well as indigenous [[Rajasthani languages]], [[Braj Bhasha]] etc.
* Literacy: 67.063%(According to Census2011)
NH 71B is the Smallest in Rajasthan

==See also==
{{satop|Geography|Eurasia|Asia|South Asia|India|Rajasthan}}
* [[Districts of Rajasthan]]
* [[Kathputli (Puppet)]]
* [[Keoladeo National Park]]
* [[List of people from Rajasthan]]
* [[Marwaris]]
* [[Rajasthani people]]
* [[Rajasthani languages]]
* [[Ranthambore National Park]]
* [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

* Gahlot, Sukhvirsingh. 1992. ''RAJASTHAN: Historical & Cultural''. J. S. Gahlot Research Institute, Jodhpur.
* Somani, Ram Vallabh. 1993. ''History of Rajasthan''. Jain Pustak Mandir, Jaipur.
* Tod, James & Crooke, William. 1829. ''Annals & Antiquities of '''[http://www.traveladda.com/north_india/rajasthan.html Rajasthan]''' or the Central and Western Rajput States of India''. 3 Vols. Reprint: Low Price Publications, Delhi. 1990. ISBN 81-85395-68-3 (set of 3 vols.)
* Mathur, P.C., 1995. ''Social and Economic Dynamics of Rajasthan Politics'' (Jaipur, Aaalekh)
* Video of Rajasthan, India . http://www.youtube.com/DjBobbyLosAngeles#p/u/6/jxjZlzQl-Zw

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikinews}}

* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/India/Rajasthan/}}
* [http://www.rajasthantalkies.com/ RajasthanTalkies.com]
* {{Wikitravel}}

{{Geographic location
| Centre    = Rajasthan
| North     = [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]
| Northeast = [[Haryana]]
| East      = [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| Southeast = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| South     = [[Gujarat]]
| Southwest = 
| West      = [[Sindh]], {{flag|Pakistan}}
| Northwest = [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]], {{flag|Pakistan}}
}}

{{Rajasthan}}
{{India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2010}}

[[Category:States and territories of India]]
[[Category:Rajasthan| ]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1956]]

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