Introduction to Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is the largest state of India by its area and is situated in a north-western location in the country. It spans around 3,42,239 Km.sq area and occupies about 10.4 per cent of the total geographical area of the Indian subcontinent. It is surrounded by five other states in India, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. On the northwest territory, it is joined to the Pakistani border. Prime cities of the Rajasthan state include Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan state. It accounts for about 118,000 Rs per capita of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is reported to rank seventh in India’s economy.
A brief history of Rajasthan:
Rajasthan has had a good royal history right from the ancient timeline. The ancient history of Rajasthan dates back to the Vedic Civilisation as well as Indus Valley Civilisation. An ideal of modern civilization from ancient history, the Harappan civilisation has been reported to be present from around 3000 to 1500 BCE.
Rajasthan has seen the rise and down of many empires, including local Rajput dynasties, Mughal Saltant, and British rule. Have also experienced ruling from many ideal emperors and historical heroes. The important personalities from Rajasthan history are, to name a few among many-
- Rana Kumbha
- Emperor Hemu
- Maharana Udai Singh II- founder of Udaipur
- Maharana Pratap
- Suraj Mal
- Emperor Akbar, etc.
The history of such great leaders and kings justifies the name of the state Rajasthan. The word Rajasthan means ‘the land of Kings’!
Specificities of the Rajasthan:
Rajasthan has got a diverse culture, architecture, geography, biodiversity, and diversity in cuisines! These specificities have been beneficial for the tourism of Rajasthan and its economic growth as well.
The special features of Rajasthan, for example, include:
- Thar Desert: also known as the Great Indian Desert
- Mount Abu: the only hill station of the Rajasthan
- Keoladeo National National Park: declared as a World Heritage Site
- Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve: these are three National tiger reserve sites.
- Udaipur lake
- Jaipur forts and palaces
- Temples of Rajsmand and Pali
- Jaislmer and Bikaner- Sand dunes
- Cattle of Pushkar
- Stepwell of Jodhpur, etc
People of Rajasthan:
The diverse culture and high tourism have impacted the local population of the state of Rajasthan. According to the census of 2011, the population of Rajasthan was around 68,621,012. The population density was 165 per sq. Km. Also, according to the census of 2011, the sex ratio of the Rajasthan was 920.
According to the reports from 2021, the population of Rajasthan has been raised to 80,782,495 (8 crores). According to the reports, the population of Rajasthan is declining at the rate of 1.7 per cent per year, as compared to the other states of India.
Sex ratio of Rajasthan:
As documented in the year 2021, the current sex ratio of the Rajasthan state is about 926 females per 1000 males. If we compare this with the sex ratios of other states like Kerala and Karnataka, it is quite a less. Also, the mean sex ratio of the Rajasthan does not convey a real picture since there are, on average only 10 cities in this state which have a sex ratio greater than 900! If comparative studies are taken, it is evident that the sex ratio of the Rajasthan is indeed declining.
Status of Literacy in the Rajasthan:
As per the latest updated information, 67.1 percent is the literacy rate of the Rajasthan state. It is far less than the overall literacy rate of India, which is about 74 per cent.
Looking at the declining population and other demographic characteristics like sex ratio and literacy rate, it is more indicative that crucial measures have to be taken by the state government to upgrade the local lifestyle as well as population characteristics.
Conclusion:
Rajasthan, as its name suggests, has truly got a great legacy of great leaders and emperors. It has passed through many revolutions and changes right from ancient times, and this reflects in its cultural diversity. It is a land of a few beautiful cities, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Its architectural treasure and biodiversity have helped to improve its tourism businesses. This also accounts for its economic growth. Despite all these facts, the population of the Rajasthan state is undergoing a declining phase. Also, the other important demographic factors are needed to improve in Rajasthan, which include literacy and sex ratio.