There are so many symbols that represent a state or even a country. However, today we focus on a place whose name translates to “land of the kings”. Have you guessed it yet? Yes, we are going to look at the state symbols of Rajasthan. On our learning journey, you will learn about the state bird of Rajasthan, the state animal of Rajasthan, and many other symbols that represent this beautiful state.
The state is rich in culture and has many art forms that are original to the state. Some of these also happen to be the state symbols of Rajasthan.
The state flower of Rajasthan
The state flower of Rajasthan is the Rohida, also known as Tecomella undulata. It is a beautiful tree with bright red flowers.
This flower grows from a medium-sized tree in the Thar desert, located in the western area of Rajasthan. The Rohida tree produces good-quality timber. The wood of this tree is strong and tough, making it durable for many purposes. It also serves as an excellent fuel option, and people use it for firewood or charcoal.
The leaves and flowers of this tree are consumed by cattle, sheep, camels, and other animals. Apart from being a food source for animals, the Rohida tree has soil-binding power as it spreads its lateral roots on the soil’s surface. This helps the tree to sustain itself in the desert.
The state bird of Rajasthan
The Godawan or Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan. It is a bird that is commonly found in the Indian subcontinent. The bustard has distinct features such as a horizontal body with long legs. Often, its appearance is compared to that of an ostrich.
This state bird of Rajasthan is one of the heaviest birds that can fly. This species is now critically endangered as they have drastically reduced in number over the years. The reduction in the number of these species is due to hunting, poaching and loss of habitat.
These birds live in large expanses of dry grassland, just like the blackbuck. In an attempt to save these birds, they are protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
The state animal of Rajasthan
Camel (genus Camelus) is the state animal of Rajasthan. It is one of the huge-hoofed animals native to dry Africa and Asia. They are known for their capacity to go for long periods without drinking water.
The camel, also called the “ship of the desert”, has long been a pack or saddle animal. People also use their milk, meat, wool and hide.
Another adaptation of a camel is to sweat less. The body is insulated by a woolly coat, which reduces heat gain and sweating. The camel can also allow its body temperature to increase to 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) before sweating.
Another state animal of Rajasthan is the Chinkara.
The Chinkara is a type of gazelle found in southern Asia. Their summer coat is a reddish-buff colour with smooth, glossy fur, and in the winter, their coat lightens and turns virtually white.
Their crimson colouration helps them to hide from predators in the grassland. From the corner of the eye to the nose, they have dark stripes bordered by white stripes on the sides of their face.
Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India are all home to the Chinkara. Plains and hills, deserts, dry bush and light forests are where they live. In India, they can be found in over 80 protected areas.
The state tree of Rajasthan
The Khejri (Prosopis Cineraria) is the state tree of Rajasthan. It is also known as the Indian desert golden tree. In Rajasthan, the dried pods of Khejri are eaten as a vegetable and the leaves are used as a medicine to treat various ailments.
Research on the chemistry and bioactivity of the chemicals from Khejri pods revealed that water-soluble extracts and isolated chemicals from Khejri have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This suggests that eating Khejri pods could improve one’s quality of life.
The state game of Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s state sport is basketball. Basketball is a sport in which two teams with five players each compete on a rectangular court, usually indoors, against each other. Each team tries to score by flinging the ball into the opponent’s basket, a horizontal hoop and net erected above the ground.
Conclusion
There are many symbols that represent each state. These symbols give you an idea about the culture, biodiversity and the surroundings of the place. They also play a significant role in that particular state.