Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
Rajasthan 
Introduction 
Rajasthan is a state located in the northwestern part of India. It is the largest state 
in terms of area and is known for its vast deserts, rugged mountains, and diverse 
topography. The physical map of Rajasthan highlights the various physical 
features present in the state. Let's explore the detailed information about the 
physical map of Rajasthan. 
I. Location and Boundaries 
A. Geographical Location 
? Rajasthan is situated between 23.3°N and 30.12°N latitudes and 69.30°E 
and 78.17°E longitudes. 
B. Boundaries 
? North Punjab and Haryana 
? South Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh 
? East Uttar Pradesh and Haryana 
? West Pakistan 
II. Major Physical Features 
A. Aravalli Range 
? The Aravalli Range is a prominent mountain range that stretches across 
Rajasthan. 
? It runs from southwest to northeast, dividing the state into two distinct 
regions. 
? The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located in Mount 
Abu, which reaches an elevation of 1,722 meters. 
B. Thar Desert 
? The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, occupies a 
significant portion of western Rajasthan. 
? It is one of the largest deserts in the world and covers an area of 
approximately 200,000 square kilometers. 
Page 2


Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
Rajasthan 
Introduction 
Rajasthan is a state located in the northwestern part of India. It is the largest state 
in terms of area and is known for its vast deserts, rugged mountains, and diverse 
topography. The physical map of Rajasthan highlights the various physical 
features present in the state. Let's explore the detailed information about the 
physical map of Rajasthan. 
I. Location and Boundaries 
A. Geographical Location 
? Rajasthan is situated between 23.3°N and 30.12°N latitudes and 69.30°E 
and 78.17°E longitudes. 
B. Boundaries 
? North Punjab and Haryana 
? South Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh 
? East Uttar Pradesh and Haryana 
? West Pakistan 
II. Major Physical Features 
A. Aravalli Range 
? The Aravalli Range is a prominent mountain range that stretches across 
Rajasthan. 
? It runs from southwest to northeast, dividing the state into two distinct 
regions. 
? The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located in Mount 
Abu, which reaches an elevation of 1,722 meters. 
B. Thar Desert 
? The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, occupies a 
significant portion of western Rajasthan. 
? It is one of the largest deserts in the world and covers an area of 
approximately 200,000 square kilometers. 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
? The Thar Desert is characterized by vast stretches of sand dunes, arid 
climate, and extreme temperatures. 
C. Great Rann of Kutch 
? The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the western part of 
Rajasthan. 
? It is a seasonal salt marsh that extends into the neighboring state of 
Gujarat. 
? The Rann of Kutch is famous for its white salt crust and serves as a breeding 
ground for various bird species during the monsoon season. 
D. Luni River 
? The Luni River is the only significant river in Rajasthan. 
? It originates in the Pushkar Valley of the Aravalli Range and flows through 
the western part of the state before entering Gujarat. 
? The Luni River is ephemeral in nature, meaning it remains dry for most of 
the year and only carries water during the monsoon season. 
III. Plains and Plateaus 
A. Rajasthan Plains 
? The plains of Rajasthan are mainly located in the eastern and southeastern 
parts of the state. 
? The major plains include the Marwar Plains, Mewar Plains, and Shekhawati 
Plains. 
? These plains are characterized by flat terrain and fertile agricultural lands. 
B. Malwa Plateau 
? The Malwa Plateau lies in the southwestern part of Rajasthan, adjoining the 
Aravalli Range. 
? It is a rocky plateau with undulating topography and sparse vegetation. 
? The Malwa Plateau is known for its ancient forts and palaces. 
 
 
Page 3


Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
Rajasthan 
Introduction 
Rajasthan is a state located in the northwestern part of India. It is the largest state 
in terms of area and is known for its vast deserts, rugged mountains, and diverse 
topography. The physical map of Rajasthan highlights the various physical 
features present in the state. Let's explore the detailed information about the 
physical map of Rajasthan. 
I. Location and Boundaries 
A. Geographical Location 
? Rajasthan is situated between 23.3°N and 30.12°N latitudes and 69.30°E 
and 78.17°E longitudes. 
B. Boundaries 
? North Punjab and Haryana 
? South Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh 
? East Uttar Pradesh and Haryana 
? West Pakistan 
II. Major Physical Features 
A. Aravalli Range 
? The Aravalli Range is a prominent mountain range that stretches across 
Rajasthan. 
? It runs from southwest to northeast, dividing the state into two distinct 
regions. 
? The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located in Mount 
Abu, which reaches an elevation of 1,722 meters. 
B. Thar Desert 
? The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, occupies a 
significant portion of western Rajasthan. 
? It is one of the largest deserts in the world and covers an area of 
approximately 200,000 square kilometers. 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
? The Thar Desert is characterized by vast stretches of sand dunes, arid 
climate, and extreme temperatures. 
C. Great Rann of Kutch 
? The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the western part of 
Rajasthan. 
? It is a seasonal salt marsh that extends into the neighboring state of 
Gujarat. 
? The Rann of Kutch is famous for its white salt crust and serves as a breeding 
ground for various bird species during the monsoon season. 
D. Luni River 
? The Luni River is the only significant river in Rajasthan. 
? It originates in the Pushkar Valley of the Aravalli Range and flows through 
the western part of the state before entering Gujarat. 
? The Luni River is ephemeral in nature, meaning it remains dry for most of 
the year and only carries water during the monsoon season. 
III. Plains and Plateaus 
A. Rajasthan Plains 
? The plains of Rajasthan are mainly located in the eastern and southeastern 
parts of the state. 
? The major plains include the Marwar Plains, Mewar Plains, and Shekhawati 
Plains. 
? These plains are characterized by flat terrain and fertile agricultural lands. 
B. Malwa Plateau 
? The Malwa Plateau lies in the southwestern part of Rajasthan, adjoining the 
Aravalli Range. 
? It is a rocky plateau with undulating topography and sparse vegetation. 
? The Malwa Plateau is known for its ancient forts and palaces. 
 
 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
IV. Lakes and Water Bodies 
A. Sambhar Lake 
? Sambhar Lake is the largest saltwater lake in India and is situated in the 
Jaipur district of Rajasthan. 
? It is a shallow, saline lake known for its high salt production and is an 
important habitat for migratory birds. 
B. Pushkar Lake 
? Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake located in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. 
? It is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by hills and is considered one of 
the most sacred sites in Hindu mythology. 
? The lake is famous for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair and attracts 
numerous pilgrims and tourists. 
C. Nakki Lake 
? Nakki Lake is a picturesque artificial lake located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. 
? It is surrounded by hills and serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering 
boating and scenic views. 
? According to legend, the lake was dug by the gods using their nails (nakh in 
Hindi), hence the name Nakki Lake. 
V. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries 
A. Ranthambore National Park 
? Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern 
India. It is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan and is 
famous for its population of Bengal tigers. 
? The park also encompasses historical landmarks like Ranthambore Fort. 
B. Sariska Tiger Reserve 
? Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located in the Alwar district of 
Rajasthan. 
? It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various wildlife species, 
including tigers, leopards, and deer. 
 
Page 4


Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
Rajasthan 
Introduction 
Rajasthan is a state located in the northwestern part of India. It is the largest state 
in terms of area and is known for its vast deserts, rugged mountains, and diverse 
topography. The physical map of Rajasthan highlights the various physical 
features present in the state. Let's explore the detailed information about the 
physical map of Rajasthan. 
I. Location and Boundaries 
A. Geographical Location 
? Rajasthan is situated between 23.3°N and 30.12°N latitudes and 69.30°E 
and 78.17°E longitudes. 
B. Boundaries 
? North Punjab and Haryana 
? South Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh 
? East Uttar Pradesh and Haryana 
? West Pakistan 
II. Major Physical Features 
A. Aravalli Range 
? The Aravalli Range is a prominent mountain range that stretches across 
Rajasthan. 
? It runs from southwest to northeast, dividing the state into two distinct 
regions. 
? The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located in Mount 
Abu, which reaches an elevation of 1,722 meters. 
B. Thar Desert 
? The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, occupies a 
significant portion of western Rajasthan. 
? It is one of the largest deserts in the world and covers an area of 
approximately 200,000 square kilometers. 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
? The Thar Desert is characterized by vast stretches of sand dunes, arid 
climate, and extreme temperatures. 
C. Great Rann of Kutch 
? The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the western part of 
Rajasthan. 
? It is a seasonal salt marsh that extends into the neighboring state of 
Gujarat. 
? The Rann of Kutch is famous for its white salt crust and serves as a breeding 
ground for various bird species during the monsoon season. 
D. Luni River 
? The Luni River is the only significant river in Rajasthan. 
? It originates in the Pushkar Valley of the Aravalli Range and flows through 
the western part of the state before entering Gujarat. 
? The Luni River is ephemeral in nature, meaning it remains dry for most of 
the year and only carries water during the monsoon season. 
III. Plains and Plateaus 
A. Rajasthan Plains 
? The plains of Rajasthan are mainly located in the eastern and southeastern 
parts of the state. 
? The major plains include the Marwar Plains, Mewar Plains, and Shekhawati 
Plains. 
? These plains are characterized by flat terrain and fertile agricultural lands. 
B. Malwa Plateau 
? The Malwa Plateau lies in the southwestern part of Rajasthan, adjoining the 
Aravalli Range. 
? It is a rocky plateau with undulating topography and sparse vegetation. 
? The Malwa Plateau is known for its ancient forts and palaces. 
 
 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
IV. Lakes and Water Bodies 
A. Sambhar Lake 
? Sambhar Lake is the largest saltwater lake in India and is situated in the 
Jaipur district of Rajasthan. 
? It is a shallow, saline lake known for its high salt production and is an 
important habitat for migratory birds. 
B. Pushkar Lake 
? Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake located in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. 
? It is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by hills and is considered one of 
the most sacred sites in Hindu mythology. 
? The lake is famous for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair and attracts 
numerous pilgrims and tourists. 
C. Nakki Lake 
? Nakki Lake is a picturesque artificial lake located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. 
? It is surrounded by hills and serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering 
boating and scenic views. 
? According to legend, the lake was dug by the gods using their nails (nakh in 
Hindi), hence the name Nakki Lake. 
V. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries 
A. Ranthambore National Park 
? Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern 
India. It is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan and is 
famous for its population of Bengal tigers. 
? The park also encompasses historical landmarks like Ranthambore Fort. 
B. Sariska Tiger Reserve 
? Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located in the Alwar district of 
Rajasthan. 
? It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various wildlife species, 
including tigers, leopards, and deer. 
 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
C. Keoladeo National Park 
? Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a 
UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
? It is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and is renowned for its avian 
population, particularly during the migratory season. 
? The park is home to over 360 species of birds. 
 
Conclusion 
The physical map of Rajasthan showcases a diverse range of geographical 
features, including the Aravalli Range, Thar Desert, plains, plateaus, lakes, and 
national parks. The unique topography and natural beauty of Rajasthan make it a 
captivating destination for tourists and a habitat for various wildlife species. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 5


Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
Rajasthan 
Introduction 
Rajasthan is a state located in the northwestern part of India. It is the largest state 
in terms of area and is known for its vast deserts, rugged mountains, and diverse 
topography. The physical map of Rajasthan highlights the various physical 
features present in the state. Let's explore the detailed information about the 
physical map of Rajasthan. 
I. Location and Boundaries 
A. Geographical Location 
? Rajasthan is situated between 23.3°N and 30.12°N latitudes and 69.30°E 
and 78.17°E longitudes. 
B. Boundaries 
? North Punjab and Haryana 
? South Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh 
? East Uttar Pradesh and Haryana 
? West Pakistan 
II. Major Physical Features 
A. Aravalli Range 
? The Aravalli Range is a prominent mountain range that stretches across 
Rajasthan. 
? It runs from southwest to northeast, dividing the state into two distinct 
regions. 
? The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located in Mount 
Abu, which reaches an elevation of 1,722 meters. 
B. Thar Desert 
? The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, occupies a 
significant portion of western Rajasthan. 
? It is one of the largest deserts in the world and covers an area of 
approximately 200,000 square kilometers. 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
? The Thar Desert is characterized by vast stretches of sand dunes, arid 
climate, and extreme temperatures. 
C. Great Rann of Kutch 
? The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the western part of 
Rajasthan. 
? It is a seasonal salt marsh that extends into the neighboring state of 
Gujarat. 
? The Rann of Kutch is famous for its white salt crust and serves as a breeding 
ground for various bird species during the monsoon season. 
D. Luni River 
? The Luni River is the only significant river in Rajasthan. 
? It originates in the Pushkar Valley of the Aravalli Range and flows through 
the western part of the state before entering Gujarat. 
? The Luni River is ephemeral in nature, meaning it remains dry for most of 
the year and only carries water during the monsoon season. 
III. Plains and Plateaus 
A. Rajasthan Plains 
? The plains of Rajasthan are mainly located in the eastern and southeastern 
parts of the state. 
? The major plains include the Marwar Plains, Mewar Plains, and Shekhawati 
Plains. 
? These plains are characterized by flat terrain and fertile agricultural lands. 
B. Malwa Plateau 
? The Malwa Plateau lies in the southwestern part of Rajasthan, adjoining the 
Aravalli Range. 
? It is a rocky plateau with undulating topography and sparse vegetation. 
? The Malwa Plateau is known for its ancient forts and palaces. 
 
 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
IV. Lakes and Water Bodies 
A. Sambhar Lake 
? Sambhar Lake is the largest saltwater lake in India and is situated in the 
Jaipur district of Rajasthan. 
? It is a shallow, saline lake known for its high salt production and is an 
important habitat for migratory birds. 
B. Pushkar Lake 
? Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake located in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. 
? It is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by hills and is considered one of 
the most sacred sites in Hindu mythology. 
? The lake is famous for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair and attracts 
numerous pilgrims and tourists. 
C. Nakki Lake 
? Nakki Lake is a picturesque artificial lake located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. 
? It is surrounded by hills and serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering 
boating and scenic views. 
? According to legend, the lake was dug by the gods using their nails (nakh in 
Hindi), hence the name Nakki Lake. 
V. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries 
A. Ranthambore National Park 
? Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern 
India. It is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan and is 
famous for its population of Bengal tigers. 
? The park also encompasses historical landmarks like Ranthambore Fort. 
B. Sariska Tiger Reserve 
? Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located in the Alwar district of 
Rajasthan. 
? It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various wildlife species, 
including tigers, leopards, and deer. 
 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
C. Keoladeo National Park 
? Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a 
UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
? It is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and is renowned for its avian 
population, particularly during the migratory season. 
? The park is home to over 360 species of birds. 
 
Conclusion 
The physical map of Rajasthan showcases a diverse range of geographical 
features, including the Aravalli Range, Thar Desert, plains, plateaus, lakes, and 
national parks. The unique topography and natural beauty of Rajasthan make it a 
captivating destination for tourists and a habitat for various wildlife species. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rajasthan and Gujarat- Physical 
 
 
Gujarat 
Introduction 
Gujarat, located in western India, is the westernmost state of the country. 
Bordered by Rajasthan to the northeast, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and 
Diu to the south, Maharashtra to the southeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and 
the Arabian Sea and the Pakistani province of Sindh to the west, Gujarat holds a 
significant position in India. It was established on May 1, 1960, by separating the 
17 northern districts of Bombay state, which were predominantly Marathi-
speaking. With its industrial advancement and thriving business community, 
Gujarat stands out as an important state, although it may not be a popular tourist 
destination among foreigners. 
Historical Significance 
The history of Gujarat dates back almost 3,500 years. Archaeological findings at 
Lothal near Dhandhuka in Ahmedabad district and Razdi in Saurashtra provide 
evidence of the ancient Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations. The state's 
capital is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad. As of the 2011 census, 
Gujarat's population stood at 60,439,692, making it the 9th most populous state 
in India. Covering an area of 196,024 square kilometers, it ranks as the 5th largest 
state in terms of land area. The state has a literacy rate of 70.031 percent, and 
Gujarati is the primary language spoken by the people. 
Key Features and Attractions 
Gujarat is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and offers a diverse range of 
attractions for visitors. From holy temples like the Dwarkadheesh Temple and the 
Somnath Temple to wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, hill resorts, and captivating 
handicrafts, the state has much to offer. The best time to visit Gujarat is between 
October and March, when the weather is pleasant. 
Districts of Gujarat 
Gujarat is divided into 33 districts, each with its unique characteristics and 
significance. Here is a list of the districts in Gujarat: 
? Ahmedabad