Thar Desert

The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a desert located in western India and southeastern Pakistan. It lies mostly in the Indian state of Rajasthan, and extends into the southern portion of Haryana and Punjab states and into northern Gujarat state. In Pakistan, the desert covers eastern Sind province and the southeastern portion of Pakistan's Punjab province. In Pakistan's Punjab province it is known as the Cholistan Desert. The Thar Desert is bounded on the northwest by the Sutlej River, on the east by the Aravalli Range, on the south by the salt marsh known as the Rann of Kutch, and on the west by the Indus River.

People

The people of Thar Desert are simple and brave. The main occupation of the people in desert is agriculture and animal husbandry. In past years there has been a tremendous increase in human population as well as animal population. This has led to improper control of grazing and extensive cultivation resulting into the deterioration of vegetation resources. The increase of human and livestock population in the desert has lead to deterioration in the ecosystem resulting in degradation of soil fertility. The living standard of the people in the desert is low.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jodhpur, the largest city in the region, lies in the scrub forest zone. Bikaner and Jaisalmer are located in the desert proper.

Related Topics:
Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaisalmer

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A large irrigation and power project has reclaimed areas of the northern and western desert for agriculture. The small population is mostly pastoral, and hide and wool industries are prominent.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Indian Desert is mainly inhabited by Hindus, with Muslim and Sikh minorities. The portion in Pakistan is inhabited by primarily by Sindhis and Kolhis. There are around 50% Muslims and 50% Hindus in the Pakistani part of the Thar Desert. A colorful culture rich in tradition prevails in the desert. The people have a great passion for music and poetry.

Related Topics:
Hindu - Muslim - Sikh - Sindhi - Kolhi

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~