Rajasthan GK

Geography and Wildlife

• Rajasthan is in northwestern India and shares an international border with Pakistan. The  Aravalli Range , one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, divides the state diagonally. To the west lies the  Thar Desert  (Great Indian Desert), while the east has more fertile plains.

The state is known for its national parks and tiger reserves:

• Ranthambore National Park  (Sawai Madhopur) and  Sariska Tiger Reserve  (Alwar) are famous for Bengal tigers.

• Keoladeo National Park  (Bharatpur) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major bird sanctuary.

• Desert National Park  (Jaisalmer/Barmer) showcases the Thar Desert ecosystem and is a habitat for the Great Indian Bustard.

History and Culture

• Ancient & Medieval History : Rajasthan was home to the  Indus Valley Civilization  (sites at Kalibangan and Balathal). It was later ruled by various Rajput dynasties like the  Gurjar-Pratiharas ,  Chauhans , and the kingdom of  Mewar , who resisted foreign invasions for centuries.

• Formation of the State : The state was formed in seven stages between 1948 and 1956 through the integration of numerous princely states. The final and most significant step,  "Greater Rajasthan" , was completed on  March 30, 1949 , which is now celebrated as Rajasthan Foundation Day.

• Cultural Heritage : Rajasthan has a vibrant culture with famous folk music and dances like  Ghoomar  and  Kalbeliya . It is renowned for its majestic  forts and palaces , intricate art and crafts, and colorful festivals like the  Pushkar Fair .