What is the largest state in India?
Rajasthan is the largest state of India in terms of area. Rajasthan is a state in the northwestern corner of the country having an area size of 342,239 square kilometers (132,139 square miles). It is the largest state in the country both in terms of area, as well as cultural and historical richness
1. Geographic Size and Landscape
The state of Rajasthan comprises more than 10 percent of the total land in India; hence it is the largest Indian state amongst the total 28 states. Although the area is very large, part of the state is a desert called the Thar desert or the Great Indian Desert. The land is predominantly desertified and semi-desertified with sand plains, rocky hills and salty lakes.
The state is crossed diagonally by the Aravalli Range which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and further makes the otherwise dry landscape quite diverse. The state is traversed by seasonal rivers like the Luni River and artificial lakes such as Lake Pichola located in the Udaipur City.
2. Historical and Cultural Significance
Rajasthan is a state with a grand history of royal kingdoms dating back centuries. It was part of several princely states and Rajput kingdoms like Mewar, Marwar, Jaipur and Jodhpur. In fact, the very name of the state means "Land of Kings."
Some of India's famous royalty and heritage sites such as palaces and forts are from Rajasthan which include the following famous places:
- Amber Fort in Jaipur
- Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
- City Palace in Udaipur
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) in Jaipur
- Jaisalmer Fort in the heart of the desert
Rajasthan’s cultural identity is also preserved through folklore, folk music, folk dance (encompassing Ghoomar and Kalbeliya), Rajasthan fabrics, as in clothing and home décor and festivals such as Pushkar Camel Fair and Desert Culture Festival of Jaisalmer.
3. Major Cities of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is well known to have a number of iconic cities and each city is also associated with a lot of charm and cultural interest and a lot of historical heritage. Here's a closer look at the major cities in the state:
Jaipur – The Pink City
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan, and it is also one of the famous Indian tourist centers. The old city area has buildings of a unique pink color, hence the name given to them as the Pink City. The reason behind the color was to honour the Prince of Wales in 1876. Jaipur has several wonders which make it a popular tourist destination like the Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage City
Jodhpur – The Blue City
Jodhpur is a city situated at the fringe of the Thar Desert and it is also known as the Blue City due to the high number of blue coloured houses in the old town. It has Mehrangarh Fort, a massive fort perched on a cliff that overlooks the city. Jodhpur is the city of traditional Rajasthani food, crowded markets, and brilliant cultural life as well.
Udaipur – The City of Lakes
Udaipur is also known as Venice of the east due to its beautiful lakes and romantic ambiance. It is renowned because of the large ornate Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake and the breathtaking City Palace complex. Udaipur is a key wedding destination as well as cultural tourism destination, which has luxury heritage hotels such as Lake Palace and Jag Mandir.
Bikaner – City of Sweets and Camels
Bikaner is a town located in the north of the state and is known for its camel breeding farms, Junagarh Fort and the local sweets like the Bikaneri bhujia. The Bikaner Camel Festival is organised in the city which attracts thousands of tourists each year. It also has a rich Rajputana architecture and traditions of the desert.
Ajmer – A Pilgrimage City
Ajmer is also a major pilgrimage center and the shrine, Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a Sufi shrine of religious significance visited by people of all faiths. Ana Sagar Lake, ancient forts, and buildings of the colonial era are also the highlights of the city. Ajmer also serves as an entry point to the town of Pushkar which is nearby and features a Brahma Temple and camel fair.
a shrine of religious significance visited by people of all faiths
Jaisalmer – The Golden City
Jaisalmer lies deep in the heart of the Thar Desert and is characterized by yellow sandstone making it appear as The Golden City. The major attraction of the city is the Jaisalmer fort still inhabited by residents. Tourists can also have a desert safari, cultural presentation as well as camping in the sand dunes nearby.
4. Economy and Resources
Despite its arid climate, Rajasthan is rich in minerals such as zinc, lead, copper and gypsum. It is also one of the largest reserves of marble in India. Tourism also contributes to the economy of the state thanks to its stunning architecture and vibrant culture
Rajasthan has also entered the solar energy sector by being a leader in the renewable energy industry as it boasts an open land with a lot of sunshine.
Conclusion
Rajasthan is the largest Indian state by area, and its majesty is not restricted to the territory. Its forts and palaces of sheer grandeur and its strong culture and expanding economy make Rajasthan a land rich in diversity, tradition and toughness. Whether you're a history buff, a cultural explorer, or a desert adventurer, Rajasthan offers a landscape as vast and impressive as its size.
