Lesson 1 of 2 | Geography of Rajasthan / Land of Rajasthan
The largest state by area
Learning outcome
You can place Rajasthan by area, name the desert in its west, and name the borders recorded for the state.
Concepts and why
Rajasthan covers 3,42,239 square kilometres. It is the largest Indian state by area. The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert, lies in its west. The state is on the northwestern side of India. It shares a border with Pakistan. Inside India it shares borders with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the southern tip of the state. Jaipur is the capital.
Worked examples
A question asks which state has the largest area. The answer is Rajasthan. A question asks which desert lies in western Rajasthan. The answer is the Thar, also called the Great Indian Desert.
Common mistakes
Naming a state with more people as the largest by area. Area and population are different measures. Placing the Thar in the east. Leaving Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh off the Indian border list.
Practice questions
- Which Indian state has the largest area?
- Which desert lies in western Rajasthan?
- Which line of latitude passes through the southern tip of Rajasthan?
Answers and explanations
- Rajasthan. Its recorded area is 3,42,239 square kilometres.
- The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert.
- The Tropic of Cancer.
Analogy
A carpet can be the largest rug in the house and still hold fewer people than a small crowded room. Area is the size of the carpet. It is a different measure from how many people stand on it.
Quick reference
Largest state by area. 3,42,239 square kilometres. Thar, or Great Indian Desert, in the west. Borders Pakistan, and Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Tropic of Cancer at the southern tip. Capital: Jaipur.