Rajasthan Geography Notes: Important Geographical Terminology for Exams
Your Go-To Notes for Rajasthan Geography
Hi friends! Preparing for competitive exams can feel a bit overwhelming, but organizing your study material makes a huge difference. Today, I am sharing my clear, point-to-point notes from an amazing class on Rajasthan's geographical terminology. Let's master these terms together so you can easily score in your exams!
Desert and Sand Dune Vocabulary
Understanding the desert features is a big part of Rajasthan geography. Here are the main terms:
- Dhore: These are wavy sand dunes found in the desert region, especially around Jaisalmer.
- Dhariyan: When wavy sand dunes are dynamic and keep moving forward, they are called Dhariyan.
- Thali & Talli: Thali is the elevated or high land in the desert (mainly Bikaner and Churu). Talli refers to the low-lying land found between the sand dunes.
- Rann or Taat: This is swampy, barren, and highly saline land in the desert. Examples include Thob (Balotra), Bap (Phalodi), Tal Chhapar (Churu), and Pokhran (Jaisalmer).
- Nakhlistan: A lush green, vegetated area found near a water body right in the middle of the desert. Great examples are Gajner and Kolayat lakes in Bikaner.
- Lathi Series: An underground water belt in Jaisalmer running from Pokhran to Mohangarh. It contains sweet water (believed to be remains of the Saraswati river) and is home to the longest grass of western Rajasthan, Sevan grass. The Chandan Tube Well, known as the "Pitcher of Thar," is also located here.
- Playa vs. Lagoon: Playa are temporary saltwater lakes formed in the desert, whereas Lagoons are saltwater lakes found on sea coasts.
- Balsan: A water basin in the desert surrounded by hills on all sides where rainwater collects. Sambhar Lake is the best example.
Mountains, Plateaus, and Hills
Rajasthan has very specific local names for its elevated areas. You will definitely see these in matching questions:
- Girwa: Double saucer-shaped hills that completely surround Udaipur city.
- Bhakar: Hills with extremely steep slopes, found specifically in the Sirohi district.
- Desharo: An evergreen area located directly between the Jarga and Raga hills in Udaipur. It stays green all year due to very low evaporation.
- Bhorat Plateau: Located between Kumbhalgarh (Rajsamand) and Gogunda (Udaipur). It acts as a major water divide and is the second-highest plateau in Rajasthan.
- Bhomat Plateau: The plateau region stretching between Udaipur and Dungarpur, where the Bhil tribe mostly resides.
- Lasadiya Plateau: A highly eroded, uneven plateau located east of Jaisamand Lake, now falling in the Salumbar district.
- Uparmal: The plateau situated between Bhaisrodgarh (Chittorgarh) and Bijolia (Bhilwara).
- Magra: The hill areas located in the north-western part of Udaipur.
- Naal: A straight and narrow pass between two hills, used as a travel route (often called a 'Darra' in other regions).
River Plains and Regional Names
Rivers shape the land and give specific regions their traditional names:
- Chappan Ka Maidan: The plain of the Mahi river spread across the Pratapgarh and Banswara districts.
- Kanthal: The specific section of the Mahi river plain right around the Pratapgarh area.
- Bihad or Dang: Uneven badlands with deep gullies created by the soil erosion of the Chambal river, found mostly in Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, and Dholpur.
- Rohi: The highly fertile plain area between the Aravalli mountain range and the Luni river.
- Torawati: The designated flow area of the Kantli river within Sikar and Jhunjhunu.
- Naali: The specific flow area of the Ghaggar river in the Hanumangarh district.
- Bangar vs. Khadar: Bangar is high plain land with old, less fertile alluvial soil. Khadar is low-lying plain land with highly fertile, new alluvial soil where river floodwaters reach regularly.
Traditional Water Conservation Methods
People in Rajasthan have brilliant, ancient ways of saving water. Keep these terms in mind:
- Khadeen: Lakes built for water conservation in the western desert by the Paliwal Brahmins in the 15th century.
- Johad: Mud (kaccha) water wells traditionally built in the Shekhawati region.
- Naadi: A circular, stepped pond used as a local water reservoir in the desert.
- Kui / Beri: Small, circular, and shallow pits dug in the desert specifically to collect rainwater.
- Bawdi: Beautiful, artistic stepwells with stairs reaching down to the water. Bundi is famous as the city of Bawdis.
- Jhalra: A rectangular stepwell with stairs on three sides, connected to a lake or pond, and used mainly for religious rituals (like Toorji ka Jhalra in Jodhpur).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Lathi Series in Rajasthan geography?
It is an underground geological water belt in Jaisalmer stretching from Pokhran to Mohangarh. It holds sweet water and supports the growth of Sevan grass.
What is the main difference between Bangar and Khadar?
Bangar is elevated land containing older, less fertile alluvial soil. Khadar is low-lying, highly fertile land formed by fresh alluvial soil brought in by regular river flooding.
What does the term Nakhlistan mean?
Nakhlistan refers to a green, vegetated area that surrounds a water body right in the middle of a desert region.
Where exactly is the Bhorat plateau located?
The Bhorat plateau is located strictly between Kumbhalgarh in the Rajsamand district and Gogunda in the Udaipur district.