Rajasthan

Appearance

Rajasthan: Overview and History ​

Geographical Location ​

  • Region: Northwestern India, on the Indian subcontinent.
  • Boundaries:
    • North and Northeast: Punjab and Haryana.
    • East and Southeast: Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
    • Southwest: Gujarat.
    • West and Northwest: Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan.
  • Capital City: Jaipur, located in the east-central part of the state.

Historical Background ​

  • Meaning:
    • Rajasthan: “The Abode of the Rajas.”
    • Formerly known as Rajputana: “The Country of the Rajputs” (sons of rajas/princes).
  • Pre-1947:
    • Consisted of ~two dozen princely states and chiefships.
    • Included the British-administered province of Ajmer-Merwara.
    • Featured additional territories outside the main boundaries.
  • Post-Independence (1947):
    • Princely states and chiefships integrated into India in stages.
    • Renamed Rajasthan.
    • Assumed present form on November 1, 1956, following the States Reorganization Act.

Area and Population ​

  • Area:
    • 132,139 square miles (342,239 square kilometers).
  • Population (2011 Census):
    • 68,621,012.