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INDIA 2012

A REFERENCE ANNUAL

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RESEARCH, REFERENCE AND TRAINING DIVISION

PUBLICATIONS DIVISION

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Rajasthan

Area : 3,42,239 sq km

Population : 6,86,21,012 (Provisional, as per Census 2011)

Capital : Jaipur

Principal Languages : Hindi and Rajasthani

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

Rajasthan, area-wise the largest State in India prior to Independence was known as Rajputana. The Rajputs, a martial community, ruled over this area for centuries. States and Union Territories

The history of Rajasthan dates back to the pre-historic times. Around 3,000 and 1,000 BC, it had a culture akin to that of the Indus Valley civilisation. The Chauhans dominated Rajput affairs from seventh century and by 12th century they had become an imperial power. After the Chauhans, the Guhilots of Mewar controlled the destiny of the warring tribes. Besides Mewar, the other historically prominent States were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar. Other States were only offshoots of these. All these states accepted the British Treaty of Subordinate Alliance in 1818 protecting the interests of the princes. This naturally left the people discontented.

After the revolt of 1857, the people united themselves under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to contribute to the freedom movement. With the introduction of provincial autonomy in 1935 in British India, an agitation for civil liberties and political rights became stronger in Rajasthan. The process of uniting scattered States commenced from 1948 to 1956 when the States Reorganisation Act was promulgated.

First came Matsya Union (1948) consisting of a fraction of States, then, slowly and gradually other States merged with this Union. By 1949, major States like Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer joined this Union making it the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Ultimately in 1958, the present State of Rajasthan formally came into being, with Ajmer state, the Abu Road Taluka and Sunel Tappa joining it.

The entire western flank of the State borders with Pakistan, while Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh bound Rajasthan in north-east, south– east respective by and Gujarat in south-west.

Agriculture

Total cultivable area in the State was 219.46 lakh hectare and estimated food grain production was 123.59 lakh tonnes in the year 2009-10. Estimated total cultivated area in the State was 245.38 lakh hectares and estimated food grain production was 201.45 lakh tonnes in the year 2010-11. Principal crops cultivated in the State are rice, barley, jowar, millet, maize, gram, wheat, oilseeds, pulses and cotton. Cultivation of vegetable and citrus fruits such as orange and malta has also picked up over last few years. Red chillies, mustard, cumin seeds, methi and hing are commercial crops of the State.

Industry and Minerals

Endowed with a rich culture, Rajasthan is also rich in minerals and is fast emerging on the industrial scenario of the country. Some of the important Central undertakings are Hindustan Zinc Smelter Plant at Devari (Udaipur), Chanderia (Chittorgarh), Hindustan Copper Plant at Khetri Nagar (Jhunjhunu), Hindustan Salt Ltd. Sambhar (Jaipur), HMT Ltd. Ajmer, and Precision Instrument Factory at Kota. Small-scale industrial units numbering 3.49 lakh with a capital investment of Rs. 12552.50 crore provide employment to about 14.90 lakh persons in the State as in March 2011.

Major industries are textiles and woolens, engineering goods, Electronic items, Automobile, Food Processing, Gems and Jewellery, Cement, Marble slabs and tiles, glass, Oxygen, Zinc, fertilizers, railway wagons, ball bearings, water and electricity meters, sulphuric acid, handicraft items, television sets, synthetic yarn, Ceramic, Insulator, Stainless steel, Re-rolling, Steel Foundry and insulating bricks. Besides, precious and semi-precious stones, caustic soda, calcium carbide, nylon and tyres, etc. are other important industrial units.

Rajasthan has rich deposits of zinc concentrates, emerald, garnet, gypsum, silver, asbestos, felspar and mica. The State also abounds in Export Promotion Industrial Park of country has been established and made operational at Sitapura (Jaipur), Boranada (Jodhpur) and Nimrana (Alwar). Inland Container Depots have established in Jaipur. Bhilwara, Jodhpur, and Bhiwadi (Alwar) to promote the exporters. Special Economic Zone for Gems and Jewellery at Sitapura (Jaipur) and Special Economic Zone for Handicraft at Boranada (Jodhpur) have been established, and Multipurpose special Economic Zone "Mahendra World City" has been established in PPP model at Jaipur.

IRRIGATION

By the end of March 2011 irrigation potential of 37.51 lakh hectare was created in the State through various major, medium and minor irrigation projects. During the year 2010-11 (upto March, 2011) additional irrigation potential of 38,444 hectares (including IGNP) was created.

POWER

The installed power capacity in the State has become 9188.22 MW upto March, 2011 of which 4097.35 MW is produced from State owned projects, 972.94 MW from collaboration projects, 2240.23 MW from the allocation from Central power generating stations, 1607.70 MW from Wind, Solar and Biomass Projects and 270 MW from Private Sector Projects.

MAHATMA GANDHI NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE SCHEME

In first phase Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was initiated on 2.2.06 in 6 districts (Banswara, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Karuoli, Sirohi and Udaipur) of the State. In second phase this scheme was initiated on 2.5.07 in other 6 districts (Barmer, Chittorgarh, Jaiselmer, Jalore, Sawai Madhopur and Tonk) of the State. In third phase this scheme was initiated on 1.4.08 in rest districts of the State.

During the financial year 2010-11 Rs. 3300.33 crores has been spend for employed to 58.24 lakh families. And 3026.65 lakh mandays have been created under the scheme.

TRANSPORT

Roads : The total length of roads was 1,88,534 km as in March, 2011.

Railways: Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Bharatpur and Udaipur are main Railway junctions of State. Total length of Railway line is 5683.01 KM. in the State as on March, 2008.

Aviation: All eminent cities are connected with Jaipur air port under domestic air services in which Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangaluru, Pune and Guwahati are important domestic air services. International air services are also available for Dubai, Mascutt and Sharjah from Jaipur air port.

ECONOMY

Ajit Kumar Jha , Rajasthan rising “India Today” 10/7/2017

GDP growth rate , India Today , July 10,2017

FESTIVALS

Rajasthan is a land of festivals and fairs, besides national festivals of Holi, Deepawali, Vijayadashmi, Christmas, etc., auspices days related to deities, saintly figures, folk heroes and heroines are celebrated. Important fairs are Teej, Gangaur (Jaipur), annual Urs of Ajmer Sharif and Galiakot, tribal Kumbh of Beneshwar (Dungarpur), Mahaveer fair at Shrimahavirji in Karoli, Ramdeora fair (Jaisalmer), Jambheswar fair (Nokha-Bikaner), Kartik Poornima and Cattle Fair (Pushkar-Ajmer) and Khatu Shyamji Fair (Khatu-Sikar) etc.

TOURIST CENTRES

Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Mount Abu (Sirohi), Ranthambhore National Park (Tiger Reserve) in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Sanctuary in Alwar, Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Pali, Chittorgarh, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar and Shekhawati are important places of tourists interests in the State.

GOVERNMENT

Governor : Shri Shivraj V. Patil

Chief Secretary : Shri Salauddin Ahmed (2012)/ C.K. Matthew

Chief Minister : Shri Ashok Gehlot

Jurisdiction of High Court

Rajasthan

DISTRICTWISE POPULATION OF THE STATE

S. No. Name of the District Population (Prov. 2011 Census)

1. Ajmer 25,84,913

2. Alwar 36,71,999

3. Banswara 17,98,194

4. Baran 12,23,921

5. Barmer 26,04,453

6. Bharatpur 25,49,121

7. Bhilwara 24,10,459

8. Bikaner 23,67,745

9. Bundi 11,13,725

10. Chittorgarh 15,44,392

11. Churu 20,41,172

12. Dausa 16,37,226

13. Dholpur 12,07,293

14. Dungarpur 13,88,906

15. Ganganagar 19,69,520

16. Hanumangarh 17,79,650

17. Jaipur 66,63,971

18. Jaisalmer 6,72,008

19. Jalore 18,30,151

20. Jhalawar 14,11,327

21. Jhunjhunu 21,39,658

22. Jodhpur 36,85,681

23. Karauli 14,58,459

24. Kota 19,50,491

25. Nagaur 33,09,234

26. Pali 20,38,533

27. Rajsamand 11,58,283

28. S. Madhopur 13,38,114

29. Sikar 26,77,737

30. Sirohi 10,37,185

31. Tonk 14,21,711

32. Udaipur 30,67,549

33. Pratapgarh 8,68,231

Total 6,86,21,012

• Population data have been taken from website of Census department "Census-2011"

Wildlife parks and sanctuaries: India

DESERT NATIONAL PARK

This Desert National Park spread over 3162 sq.km. does not offer much in the name of those charismatic species like tigers, elephants, etc. But the rugged beauty of nature is enthralling. Shifting sand dunes spread over a vast expanse is a sight to watch. Besides, Desert National Park reflects a true Ecofriendly outlook that people of this country have. The Bishno the local community, have lived here for ages in harmony with nature. Here one gets an opportunity to know more about them.

Black bucks and Chinkara are found in large numbers besides the Great Indian Bustard. During summer, temperatures reach upto 50 degree celsius.

Location: Jaisalmer, Barmer

Area: 3162 sq. km

Best time to visit: September to March

Access

By Air Jodhpur By Rail: Jaisalmer (21 km)

KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK

Popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, it is a world heritage and Ramsar site. It is one of the most visited national park in the country being on the international tourist circuit. The park is essentially semi arid scrubland, converted into a marsh by way of a series of canals and bunds. Abundant aquatic vegetation and small animals invite hoards of aquatic birds to this area. Wellplanned plantations provide ideal nesting sites making this park a bird lover's paradise.

More than 350 species of birds have been recorded including a large number of winter migrants. But the most important visitor is the Siberian Crane during October to February. The Indian rock python, Sambar, Blue bulls, are added attraction to the visitor. Keoladeo Ghana National Park is irresistible for any wildlife photographer.

Location: Bharatpur

Best time to visit: Throught the year. Breeding season == August to October, Migrants == October to February

Area: 28.73 sq. kms

Access

Nearest Airport Agra (50kms) Nearest Railway Station Bharatpur (2 km) By Road Regular bus services

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses, PWD Dak Bungalow (Ph.23766), Crane Crib(Ph. 24224), Hotel Paradise (Ph.23791), ITDC Bharatpur Forest Lodge

Contact

Keoladeo Ghana National Park Bharatpur, Rajasthan

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Being on the tourist circuit with the probability of sighting a Tiger this National Park is one of the most visited and talked about. It is spread over 392 sq.km. area. The forest is dry deciduous and dotted with lakes and water pools. Availability of water even during extreme summers ensures good animal population and diversity.

Sighting of Sambar, Chital, Blue bull, and Tiger is very high especially during peak summers as most of the animals prefer to remain in the vicinity of the lakes and water bodies. Crocodiles are also found in good numbers.

The Ranthambore fort with the Ganesh temple attracts a large number of local visitors.

Location: 14 kms from Sawai Madhopur

Best time to visit: OctoberJune

Area: 392 sq. kms

Access

Nearest Airport Jaipur(145 kms) Nearest Railway Station Sawai Madhopur (11 km), Jaipur (132 kms) By Road Good network of bus services

Accommodation

RTDC Hotel Jhoomar Baori, RTDC Hotel Kamdhenu, Sawai Madhopur Lodge, PWD Rest House Jhoomer Baori Forest Lodge (RTDC)

Contact

Field Director, Ranthambore National Park Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

SARISKA NATIONAL PARK

Located at about 100 km from Jaipur on the DelhiJaipur highway, it is one of the most visited parks. Sariska can be termed as an 'oasis' in the otherwise barren Aravalli hills. This is mainly due to the protection given by the Maharaja of Alwar, who preserved this forest as his personal hunting ground. In this hilly terrain, gorges and gullies retain water and the water holes are the only water source ensuring good sightings of birds. The overall vegetation is dry deciduous except few evergreen patches in the gullies where water is available.

Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, are the common herbivores found besides good population of Tigers and Leopards. A number of historical places are located within the National Park, but the Hanuman temple at Pandupole attracts a large number of local visitors.

The forest lodge and dormitory provides camping at reasonable cost but for those who can pay a higher price, the Palace hotel offers all comforts. The Park is closed during the rainy season.

During March and April Butea species predominant in the valleys are in full bloom, with its spectacular display of bright crimson red and yellow, is a sight to watch. This is also the time for a large number of animals to concentrate around the water holes thus ensuring better sightings.

Location: 190 kms from Delhi.

Best time to visit: October June

Habitat: Dry deciduous forests and grassy lands

Area: 765.80sq.kms

Access

Nearest Airport Jaipur (108 km) By Rail Alwar (21 km) By Road Regular bus service from Alwar to Jaipur.

Accommodation

RTDC Hotel Den, Sariska and Palace Hotel, Forest Rest House

Contact

Field Director, Sariska Tiger Reserve Distt. Alwar, Rajasthan

LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY

HORSE SAFARI

The tour takes one to Rajasthan land of romantic history, chivalry and valour.

Udaipur Trail

The trail starts from Udaipur and then departs to Jodhpur through semi desert country, passing the textile town of Pali, and heads towards the foothills of the Aravali ranges crossing Kotri Rawla which is the 200 year old residence of the Thakurs of Kotri. With the horses, the trail ride 4 km to Nadol, an archaeological site with ruins of 6th century being excavated. Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat is worth a visit. The Maharani Bagh is a beautiful cottage complex owned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The famous Ranakpur Jain temples nereby provide a glimpse into the temple architecture of India. Built in the 1460's the architecture of these temples is awe inspiring, with every inch of pillar and ceiling intricately carved so that no two pillars are alike. Cover the Aravali hills enroute, the jungle track in the sanctuary, is home to panther, bear, wolves, sambar, nilgai, four horned deer, wild boar, crocodiles and many species of birds. The ride halts at Ghanerao. Ghanerao castle built in 1606 is run as a heritage property by the present Thakur. The ride takes a steep trailclimbing 2000 ft upto the Kumbhalgarh fort. The magnificent Kumbhalgarh fort built in 1458 by Rana Kumbha as a retreat from Chittor in times of war. The fort was never in its 400 years of battle ever conquered. Here the trail stops for a while, and marches back on the same path to come back to Udaipur.

Raj Risala Trail

The Raj Risala is based in the venerable and holy town of Pushkar. Raj Risala offers a unique experience of the glorious heritage of Rajasthan. traverse this timeless land on a leisurely safari in the footsteps of the Maharajas of yore, by horse. Visit wildlife parks and monuments which reverberate with hisotry.

Shekhawati Trail

This ride is conducted in the Shekhawati region, which is known for its Havelies having fascinating wall frescoes on them. The base of this ride is from Dundlod. The terrain in this area consists of a mixture of green fields, sandy tracks, sand dune areas and finally to the Aravali mountain range with flowing crystal clear streams and palm trees.

Desert Trail

This ride is conducted in the desert of Bikaner, Nagaur and Jaisalmer areas. The vast desert of this area is known for its undulating terrain sparsely populated with the Indian Chinkara, Black buck and the nomadic tribes of Rajasthan.

CAMEL SAFARI

The best safaris are in the heart of the Thar, around Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. The safari varies from 3 days to 15 days, though the optimum is a week long safari.

Jaisalmer Trail

The trail starts from Jaisalmer passing Moolsagar, Kuldhara, Massooradi on the first day of the ride. After a night stay the ride again proceeds from Massooradi to Jajiya, Khaba. The trail further covers crossing Khabia, Kanoi and Sam.

BALLOONING

A fascinating journey into the Rajputana desertland with gala desert camping with highlights of Camel cum ballooon safari.

Mandwa Trail

From Mandwa proceed on an interesting camel cum balloon safari with groups interchanging between the 2 interesting and offbeat modes of exploring the desert. The trail overlooks the city of Samode and Jaipur.

BIMARU no more

Ajit Kumar Jha , Rajasthan Rising “India Today” 10//7/2017

BIMARU no more , India Today , July10,2017