Know Your state Rajasthan – Rajasthan GK Notes (Part 2)

In our previous blog, we studied about the cultural, geographical and political aspects of Rajasthan. If you haven’t read that already, click here – Know your State ‘Rajasthan’ – Part 1. In this discourse, we’ll dive deep into other vital aspects of the states.

What are the historical aspects of Rajasthan? Where the World’s earliest attested ploughed field is?

So, let’s explore the state further and study about the bygone days of Rajasthan.

HISTORY Rajasthan GK Notes:

The state of Rajasthan in India has a history dating thousands of years. Rajasthan was formerly called Rajputana that means ‘The Country of the Rajputs‘. The land of Rajasthan has witnessed the rule of many great kings and rulers.

Ancient history:

The traces of human settlement in Rajasthan region was since the days of the Indus Valley Civilization. The state had captured the interest of many nations like Arjunyas, Kushans, Malavas, Saka Satraps and Yaudheyas. Rajasthan was part of the Gupta Empire in 321 BCE. In the 6^th century, the Gupta Empire declined because of political issues. However, the situation became stable when Gujara- Pratiharas came into power in 700 CE and was well settled in Rajasthan.

Medieval History:

Throughout the 9^th century, the Rajputs came to power in Rajasthan. During the 11^th – 12^th century AD, the Rajputs gained supremacy and were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties.The Chauhan dynasty was established in Rajasthan in the 10^th century. Under the Chauhan Empire, Rajasthan was continuously attacked by foreign rulers. In 1191, when Rajasthan was controlled by Prithviraj Chauhan, there were constant attacks by the Muslim ruler, Muhammad Gohri resulting in the first battle of Tarain. Though Muhammad Gohri was defeated, but in 1192 he attacked for the second time, whereupon Chauhan was defeated.After the Chauhan Empire declined in 1200, Muslim rulers tried establishing themselves in Rajasthan. In the 13^th century, Mewar was the center of attraction for every king. Akbar started an alliance with many Rajput rulers. In 1562, Akbar married one of the Rajput princesses, Jodha Bai who was the daughter of the Maharaja of Amer.In 1567, a battle took place when Akbar attacked Chittorgarh, the capital of Mewar where Rajput women committed Jauhar who never wanted to live under the rule of the Mughals.In 1576, the battle of Haldighati took place where Maharana Pratap fought a battle with Akbar and got defeated.Eventually, during the Battle of Dewar, he was able to conquer the lost territories of Mewar and freed much of Rajasthan from the Mughal rule.

Modern History:

Bharatpur city was further developed by Jat king in 1707. By 1803 Maratha conquered some parts of Rajasthan. Most of the Rajputs passed under the control of the Maratha Empire and continued to pay tribute to Pune. The British East India Company replaced the Marathas as chief rulers. In 1857, the British started their rule in India and most Rajput states allied with them. The Association of Rajput and British allowed Rajasthan to continue as independent states.

Now, let’s talk about the environmental aspects of Rajasthan.

ENVIRONMENT Rajasthan GK Notes:

Rajasthan is the land of royalty where the ancient and modern co-exist in complete harmony. The state reflects the golden sands that are renowned for its vibrant colours, fair, painted havelis and wildlife parks and sanctuaries.

• Chambal and Luni are the two main rivers of Rajasthan. Chambal is the only perennial river of the state
• Some of the other important Rajasthan Rivers are Kali, Banas, Banganga, Parvati, Gambhiri, Mahi, Kakni, Jokham, Sabarmati, Katli, Sabi and Mantha.
• The largest lake in Rajasthan is Sambhar Salt Lake. It is India’s largest inland salt lake. The lake is 22.5 km long and its width varies from 3 to 11 km.
• Major Dams in Rajasthan are Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, Kota Barrage, Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam, Bisalpur Dam etc.
• The Ranapratap Sagar Dam is a gravity masonry dam with a height of 53.8m and is the second largest dam of the state built on Chambal River in Rawatbhata, Rajasthan. 
• Rajasthan has 25 wildlife sanctuaries that are abode to its unique & diversified plant & animal life.
• The state is adorned with 5 National Parks which are the natural habitat for hundreds of wildlife species and are also highly famous among wildlife enthusiasts.
• The forests of Rajasthan state can be separated into 4 extensive forest categories: Tropical Thorn Forests, Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, Central Indian Sub-tropical Hill Forests, and Mixed Miscellaneous Forests.
• India’s largest state, Rajasthan has a rocky terrain, barren tracts filled with thorny scrubs, ravines, plateaus and rolling sand dunes. 

Let’s talk about the economic status of Rajasthan.

ECONOMY Rajasthan GK Notes:

The centrepiece of Rajasthan’s economy is the agricultural sector for years. The agricultural sector accounts for about one-fourth of the state’s economic output and employing about two-thirds of the state’s working population. Rajasthan has a large livestock population and is a major wool-producing state. The state is a source of camels and draft animals of various breeds. Rajasthan is an important producer of lead and zinc concentrates, emeralds, and garnets. A major portion of the country’s gypsum and silver ore are produced in Rajasthan Textiles, vegetable oil, wool, minerals, cement, and chemicals are among the major manufactures of Rajasthan.

GDP: ₹10.20 lakh crore

GDP Rank: 8^th

GDP Growth: 5% (2019-20est.)

GDP per capita: ₹118,159 (2019-20)

GDP per capita Rank: 21^th

GDP by sector: Agriculture- 25%, Industry- 28%, Services- 47% (2019-20)

Unemployment: 5% (2017-18)

EDUCATION Rajasthan GK Notes:

The education system of Rajasthan is instantly changing. The government is working hard to remove gender disparity in education. The literacy rate in Rajasthan is 66.11% according to 2011 census. There are a number of institutions of higher education in Rajasthan. State universities are located in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Ajmer. Other prominent institutions include Vardhman Mahaveer Open University in Kota and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani.

SPORTS Rajasthan GK Notes :

Sports always count with the bravery and culture of Rajasthan. With a full enthusiastic sporting spirit, Rajasthan has a tradition of sporting culture. With its traditional games, there are some royal games which were a status symbol of Rajasthani rulers. Horse riding, kite flying, gulli danda, shooting, archery and camel riding were some of the sports and activities in Rajasthan. Sports like cricket, polo and athletics replace some of the traditional games of Rajasthan.

Here are some more interesting facts about RAJASTHAN:

• The World’s earliest attested ploughed field is Kalibangan, Rajasthan.
• The fort of Kumbhalgarh of India accounts to have the longest fortification in the world.
• Rajasthan has only one hill station, Mount Abu.
• The state of Rajasthan also has numerous haunted places. Bandhavgarh Fort is on the top list. It is also one of the most haunted places in India.
• Mandodari, the wife of Ravana from the Hindu epic, Ramayana, was from the ancient town of Mandore, Rajasthan.

Therefore, these were all the chief necessitate facts about Rajasthan that will help in your preparation for competitive exams like SSC CGL, CDS, Civil Services and NDA etc.

In the next blog, we would be discussing some interesting facts and trivia about the state of Sikkim. Click here for Know your State – ‘Sikkim’.

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