Location, Extent & Physical Divisions

Rajasthan Geography: Comprehensive Master Notes

राजस्थान का भूगोल: व्यापक मास्टर नोट्स

1. Introduction: Location and Extent

1. परिचय: स्थिति और विस्तार

• Area (क्षेत्रफल): 342,239 sq km (10.41% of India's total area). Largest state by area.
• Shape (आकृति): Rhomboid or Kite-shaped (V.A. Handley).
• Latitudinal Extent (अक्षांशीय विस्तार): 23° 03' N to 30° 12' N (Distance: 826 km).
• Longitudinal Extent (देशान्तरीय विस्तार): 69° 30' E to 78° 17' E (Distance: 869 km).
• Borders (सीमाएं):
  • International (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय): 1070 km with Pakistan (Radcliffe Line). 4 Districts: Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer.
  • Interstate (अंतर्राज्यीय): 4850 km with 5 states (MP - longest, Punjab - shortest).

2. Physical Divisions of Rajasthan

2. राजस्थान के भौतिक विभाग

A. Western Sandy Plain (थार मरुस्थल)

• Known as the "Great Indian Desert".
• Divided into Marusthali (60% coverage, shifting sand dunes) and Semi-Arid Transition Zone (Bangur).
• Lathi Series: A mineral water belt in Jaisalmer famous for Sevan Grass.

B. Aravalli Range (अरावली पर्वतमाला)

• Oldest fold mountain range in the world (Pre-Cambrian).
• Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar (1722 m) in Mount Abu (Sirohi).
• Passes (Naal): Someshwar, Desuri, Jilwa kee Naal.

C. Eastern Plain (पूर्वी मैदान)

• Formed by the alluvial deposits of rivers Banas, Mahi, and Chambal.
• Chappan Plain: Located between Pratapgarh and Banswara (Basin of Mahi).

D. Hadoti Plateau (हाड़ौती का पठार)

• Volcanic origin. Rich in black soil, suitable for Cotton and Soya bean.
• Divided into Vindhyan Scarpland and Deccan Lava Plateau.

3. Drainage System (Rivers and Lakes)

3. अपवाह तंत्र (नदियाँ और झीलें)

1. Inland Drainage (आंतरिक अपवाह - 60%): Rivers like Ghaggar, Katli, Sabi, Kakani.
2. Arabian Sea Drainage (17%): Luni (only desert river), Mahi (crosses Tropic of Cancer twice), Sabarmati.
3. Bay of Bengal Drainage (23%): Chambal (Perennial, badland topography), Banas (Hope of Forest), Banganga.

4. Climate of Rajasthan

4. राजस्थान की जलवायु

• Characteristics: Extreme temperature variations, low rainfall in the west.
• Koppen's Classification:
  • BWhw: West Rajasthan (Arid).
  • BShw: Semi-arid (Steppe).
  • Cwg: Eastern & Central (Monsoon type).
  • Aw: South Rajasthan (Tropical Humid).