north India
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is India largest state by area, with Jaipur as capital. It is shaped by the Thar Desert, the Aravalli Range, forts, princely-state history, desert ecology, water scarcity, minerals, tourism, renewable energy, border governance, and rich regional cultures.
Capital
Jaipur
Population
6.85 Cr
Census of India 2011
Area
3,42,239 sq km
Census of India 2011
Literacy
66.1%
Census of India 2011
Districts
50
State Profile
Rajasthan overview
Rajasthan is India largest state by area and has Jaipur as its capital. Its identity is shaped by the Thar Desert, the Aravalli Range, regional kingdoms, Rajputana princely states, forts, water scarcity, pastoral livelihoods, tribal societies, minerals, crafts, tourism, renewable energy, and a long border with Pakistan.
Capital
Jaipur
Region
north
Population
6.85 Cr
Census of India 2011
Area
3,42,239 sq km
Census of India 2011
Snapshot
Quick facts
Core facts useful for prelims, maps, and state comparison.
- Capital
- Jaipur
- Largest city
- Jaipur
- Region
- north
- Population
- 6.85 CrCensus of India 2011
- Area
- 3,42,239 sq kmCensus of India 2011
- Languages
- Hindi, Rajasthani, Marwari, Mewari, Dhundhari, Hadoti, Mewati, Wagdi
Snapshot
Economy snapshot
A quick view of source-backed output, income, growth, and major sectors.
- Industries
- Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Tourism, Minerals
UPSC Focus
Why it matters
Important UPSC-relevant themes connected with this state.
- Rajasthan is highly relevant for UPSC because it connects Indus-Saraswati archaeology, Chalcolithic cultures, Rajput polities, medieval state formation, Mughal-Rajput relations, Bhakti-Sufi traditions, princely states, peasant and tribal movements, and post-independence integration.
- Its geography is a core map topic: Thar Desert in the west, Aravalli Range running roughly southwest to northeast, eastern plains, Hadoti plateau, Mewar uplands, Shekhawati, Chambal ravines, salt lakes, internal drainage, and canal command areas.
- Its economy and environment offer case studies in arid agriculture, livestock, water governance, desertification, mining, renewable energy, wildlife conservation, heritage tourism, border infrastructure, and climate resilience.
UPSC Focus
Identity markers
Cultural, historical, geographical, or economic identifiers.
- Capital: Jaipur.
- Rajasthan is India largest state by area.
- Rajasthan Day is observed on 30 March, linked to the formation of Greater Rajasthan in 1949.
- The modern state was formed through a multi-stage integration of princely states and chiefships after independence.
- Rajasthan High Court has its principal seat at Jodhpur and a bench at Jaipur.
- Major regions include Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti, Shekhawati, Dhundhar, Mewat, Godwar, Vagad, Ajmer-Merwara, the Bikaner region, the Jaisalmer desert region, and eastern Rajasthan plains.
- Important centres include Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur, Alwar, Mount Abu, Nagaur, Shekhawati, and Barmer.
- UNESCO markers include the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park, Jantar Mantar Jaipur, and Jaipur city as a World Heritage City.