Physiographic Regions of Rajasthan
Geographical Regions of Rajasthan (Question-Answer Format)
This content is specially prepared for B.A. Part-II students on the topic “Geographical Regions of Rajasthan”, based on your prescribed study sources.
Question 1: Explain the background of the classification of the geographical regions of Rajasthan and describe their geological origin.
Answer:
The geographical division of Rajasthan was first proposed by Prof. V.C. Mishra in his book “Geography of Rajasthan”, published by the National Book Trust in 1968. He classified Rajasthan into seven geographical regions.
However, in general, Rajasthan is divided into four major geographical regions:
- Western Desert Region
- Aravalli Mountain Region
- Eastern Plain Region
- South-Eastern Plateau Region (Hadoti Region)
Geological Origin:
The geological structure of Rajasthan is believed to have originated from the remnants of Gondwanaland and the Tethys Sea.
- Remnants of the Tethys Sea: The Western Desert Region and the Eastern Plain Region were formed from deposits of the ancient Tethys Sea.
- Remnants of Gondwanaland: The Aravalli Mountain Region and the South-Eastern Plateau Region (Hadoti) are considered parts of the Gondwanaland formation.
The Aravalli Range is believed to be one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, belonging to the Gondwana landmass.
Question 2: Compare the main geographical features of the Western Desert Region and the Eastern Plain Region of Rajasthan.
| Feature | Western Desert Region | Eastern Plain Region |
|---|---|---|
| Area Coverage | Covers about 61.11% of the total area of Rajasthan. | Covers about 23.3% of the total area of the state. |
| Population | Around 40% of the state’s population lives here. | About 39% of the population resides here — the most densely populated part of Rajasthan. |
| Average Rainfall | Receives about 20 cm annual rainfall in arid areas; the semi-arid region is divided by the 25 cm rainfall line. | Receives 60–100 cm annual rainfall. |
| Soil Type | Predominantly sandy and old alluvial soil (Bangar region). | Mainly alluvial soil, the most fertile soil in Rajasthan. |
| Sub-Regions | The Great Thar Desert (arid) and Rajasthan Bangar (semi-arid plains) including Ghaggar basin, Shekhawati, Nagauri upland, and Luni–Jawai basin. | Includes Banas basin, Chambal basin, Middle Mahi basin (Chhappan plains), and Banas–Banganga basin. |
| Other Facts | Known as the Thar Desert. Wind erosion and deposition form sand dunes (Barkhans, longitudinal dunes). Chandan Tube Well is called the “Pot of Thar”. | The Chambal basin features badland topography (ravines). The Middle Mahi basin is also called Chhappan plains or Vagad region. |