If you're preparing for Rajasthan state exams like CET, LDC, BSTC, or PTET, getting the physical geography right is your first step. With the recent district changes, some old facts are now outdated. Here is a straight-to-the-point breakdown of Rajasthan's location, extent, and the updated geography facts you need to memorize.
1. Latitudinal Extent (अक्षांशीय स्थिति)
- Coordinates: 23° 3' North to 30° 12' North.
- Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N): Passes through 8 Indian states. In Rajasthan, it covers 26 km across two districts in the Udaipur division: Dungarpur (touching the southern border) and Banswara (cutting through the middle).
- Closest City to Tropic of Cancer: Kushalgarh (Banswara).
Sun's Impact:
- June 21: The sun's rays fall directly on Banswara. This creates the longest day and shortest night in Rajasthan.
- December 22: The sun moves to the Tropic of Capricorn. Sri Ganganagar receives the most slanted rays, resulting in the shortest day and longest night.
2. Longitudinal Extent (देशांतरीय स्थिति)
- Coordinates: 69° 30' East to 78° 17' East.
- Total Expansion: 8° 47' (Notice that the longitudinal expansion is greater than the latitudinal expansion of 7° 09').
- Dimensions: Rajasthan is wider than it is tall.
- Width (East to West): 869 km
- Length (North to South): 826 km
- Difference: 43 km
Extreme Points of Rajasthan
| Direction | District | Tehsil | Village |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western | Jaisalmer | Sam | Katra |
| Eastern | Dholpur | Rajakhera | Silana |
3. The Exact Center Point of Rajasthan
The mid-longitude (74° E, passing through 9 districts) and mid-latitude (27° N) cross each other in Nagaur district (Merta Tehsil). But which village is the true center?
- Ground Survey: Lampolai
- Satellite Survey (More Authentic): Gagrana. If an exam gives you both options, always mark Gagrana.
4. Sunrise & Sunset Updates (Based on New Districts) ⚠️
This is where old textbooks will make you lose marks. Because the new Balotra district was carved out of Barmer, Barmer's eastern border has shifted further west. Here is the updated reality:
- First Sunrise: Dholpur (Unchanged)
- Last Sunrise: Barmer (Previously Jaisalmer. Now, Barmer's eastern tip sits further west than Jaisalmer's eastern tip, meaning the sun hits it last).
- First Sunset: Dholpur (Unchanged)
- Last Sunset: Jaisalmer (Because its western tip still extends further west than Barmer's).
5. Time Difference Calculation (East to West)
It takes sunlight exactly 4 minutes to cross 1 degree of longitude. Let's calculate the time difference between Dholpur (East) and Jaisalmer (West):
- Total longitudinal difference: 8° 47'
- Calculation: 8° 47' × 4 minutes = 35 minutes and 8 seconds.
Exam Tip: If the exact time isn't an option and you have to choose a whole number (e.g., 34, 35, 36), always select 36 minutes. Time always moves forward, so we round up the remaining 8 seconds.
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