THAR DESERT
Area: 446,000 square kilometres
Features: Rolling Sand Hills, Scant Rainfall
The
Great Indian Desert
Thar Desert, the huge unending expanse of burning hot sand is spread over
four states in India, namely Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, and
two states in Pakistan covering an area of about 446,000 square
kilometres. Deriving its name from 'thul' denoting the sand ridges of the
region, Thar stands divided between Sindh region in Pakistan and Rajasthan
in India.
A tract of rolling sand hills, the Thar Desert is bordered by the
irrigated Indus plains to the west, the Aravalli Range to the southeast,
the Rann of Kachchh to the south, and the Punjab plain to the north and
northeast. Yielding salt and gypsum, the desert is formed due to the scant
rainfall received by the region as a result of the dryness of the
prevailing monsoon winds.
Receiving an annual average rainfall of less than 10 inches, the desert
is a largely a sun-scorched region of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks,
and scrub vegetation. The sparsely populated region has a pastoral
economy. In May 1974, India exploded its first nuclear device at Pokhran
in the deserts of Rajasthan. The Legend
It is believed that aeons ago, Shri Ram drew an arrow in his bow,
targetting Lanka, the island capital where his wife was held captive by
the demon king, Ravana. However, such were its destructive powers that the
gods pleaded with the Lord to desist from his intended purpose. But the
arrow once drawn could not be pulled back and thus Rama pointed the arrow
to a far-flung sea. The heat generated by the arrow dried the sea and and
in its place arose a dry, arid and hot desert.
Archaeological Evidence
The
many excavations of the fossils in the desert have led to the belief that
the area was teeming with marine life once upon a time. It is believed
that centuries ago, the earliest inhabitants who were a part of an urban
civilization that arose 4500 years ago, belonged to this region. Recent
excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization reveal that the settlements
penetrated deep into the heart of the desert. Archaeologists have found a
remarkable resemblance between the citadels and the manner of building
along narrow lanes that dissect each other at right angles and more recent
settlements.
The Origin
The ancient desert is believed to have been a witness to one of the
earliest human civilizations. The origin of this desert is a matter of
much controversy. Some consider it to be only 4000 to 10,000 years old.
Many others believe that the region started becoming arid much earlier.
Vegetation
Providing nutritive and delectable pasturage, grasses form the main
natural vegetation of the Thar desert. These also have medicinal value and
hence alkaloids, used for making medicine, and oils for making soap, are
also extracted therefrom. There is a great paucity of water and hence, the
thar desert vegetation is mostly herbaceous; with the trees very rarely
dotting the landscape. On the hills, Gum Arabic Acacia and Euphorbia may
be found. The Khajri (Prosopis Cineraria) tree grows throughout the
plains. Water is very scarce.
Climate
The
area receives very scant rainfall, with the average annual rainfall
varying from 100 to 500 mm. With around 90% of the rainfall attributable
to southwest monsoon during the months of July and September, there are
wide fluctuations in the amount of rainfall from year to year. May and
June are the hottest months of the year while January is the coldest
month. The mean average temperature varies from a minimum of 24 to 26
degrees C in summer to 4 to 10 degrees C in winter. Dust storms and dust
raising winds blowing at very high velocity are very rampant.
The Wild In The Arid Land
Stretches of sand in the desert are interspersed by hillocks and sandy
and gravel plains. About 23 species of lizards and 25 species of snakes
are found here and several of them are endemic to the region. The thinly
populated grasslands support the endangered Great Indian Bustard, the
Black Buck, the Chikara (gazelle), and some feathered game, notably the
Francolin and Quail. Among the migratory birds, Sand Grouse, Ducks and
Geese are common.
RAJASTHAN TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to
Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the
Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor
to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also
carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but
not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board
include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as
restaurant and organized shopping facilites. more...
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