Physical Environment (Physiography & Climate)

Location and Extent

• Latitudes: 23°3' N to 30°12' N. Longitudes: 69°29' E to 78°17' E.
• Area: 3,42,239 sq km (10.41% of India). Largest state in India.
• Shape: Rhombus (Vishama Kona Chaturbhuj). Dimensions: N-S 826 km, E-W 869 km.
• Boundaries: International border with Pakistan (1070 km). Inter-state boundaries with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Administrative Divisions

The state is divided into 7 Divisions and 33 Districts (as per the text):

• Jaipur: Jaipur, Dausa, Sikar, Alwar, Jhunjhunu.
• Jodhpur: Jodhpur, Jalore, Pali, Barmer, Sirohi, Jaisalmer.
• Bikaner: Bikaner, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu.
• Kota: Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar.
• Udaipur: Udaipur, Rajsamand, Dungarpur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh.
• Ajmer: Ajmer, Bhilwara, Tonk, Nagaur.
• Bharatpur: Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur.

Physiographic Regions

1. Western Desert (Thar)

Covers about 61% of the state area. Sub-regions:

• Arid Desert: Rainfall < 25 cm. Characterized by sand dunes.
• Luni-Jawai Basin: Semi-arid, Godwar region.
• Shekhawati (Bangar): Internal drainage area with saline lakes like Didwana and Tal Chhapar.
• Ghaggar Plain: Formed by the flow of the dead river Ghaggar (ancient Saraswati), locally called 'Nali'.

2. Aravali Mountain Region

Oldest fold mountain range, approx 9% area. Extends 692 km from Delhi to Gujarat.

• South Aravali: Highest section. Guru Shikhar (1722m) in Mt. Abu is the highest peak. Bhorat Plateau lies between Kumbhalgarh and Gogunda.
• Central Aravali: Mainly Ajmer. Peaks: Taragarh (870m), Nag Pahar (795m). Passes: Bar, Sura Ghat.
• North Aravali: Discontinuous. Peaks: Raghunathgarh (1055m), Kho (920m).

3. Eastern Plains

• Banas Basin: Fertile alluvial soil formed by Banas and tributaries.
• Chambal Basin: Known for Ravines (Beehad/Dang).
• Mahi Basin (Chhappan Plain): 56 villages group in Banswara-Pratapgarh area.

4. SE Plateau (Hadoti)

Extension of Malwa Plateau. Composed of black soil suitable for cotton. Covers Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar.

Drainage System

Lakes

• Saline: Sambhar (Largest), Didwana, Pachpadra, Lunkaransar.
• Freshwater: Jaisamand (Largest artificial), Rajsamand (inscribed with Raj-Prashasti), Pichola, Pushkar (Natural/Crater), Siliserh.

Climate

• Summer: March to June. Temperatures > 40°C. Dust storms (Andhi) are common.
• Monsoon: Mid-June to Sept. Low rainfall due to Aravali orientation parallel to Arabian Sea branch. Highest rain in Mt. Abu (150cm) and Jhalawar. Lowest in Jaisalmer.
• Winter: Oct to Feb. 'Mavath' (Winter rain due to Western Disturbances) is beneficial for Rabi crops.