Physical Divisions of Rajasthan
Physical Divisions of Rajasthan
Physical Divisions of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is the largest state in the Union of India and has more physical variations than any
other state. It has regions of rolling sand dunes in the west to lofty rocks in the middle to
fertile plains in the east.
On the basis of relief features, there are following physical divisions of Rajasthan:
3. Eastern Plains
• A1. Marusthali
• A2. Dune free Tract
A. Chambal basin
B. Banas Basin
A. Deccan highlands
B. Vindhyan region
• The western sandy plains are divided into two major regions and 6 sub-regions as
following
• Population- 40%
• Maximum Rainfall- 30 Cm
• There are vast expanses of sand & rock outcrops where mainly limestone is found, in
Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Planumangarh & Sriganganagar.
A1. Marusthali
• Towards west this sandy arid Marushthali is known as Thar Desert. Shifting sand
dunes is locally terms as Dharians.
• Limestone & Sandstone rocks exposes here belong to Jurassic & Eocene formations.
• Dry beds & banks could easily be tapped for ground water
• Rainfall - 25 cm
• In it lies in the eastern part & drained by the Luni in its south-eastern portion.
• Gullying has given rise to conglomerate landscape. Its eastern part is covered with
superficial sand deposits.
• Towards north lies the Shekhawati tract which is semi arid transitional plain
characterized by inland drainage & stream with salt lakes like Sambhar, Didwana etc.
• Basin is drained by the Luni River & its tributaries Bandi, Sagi, etc. Covers the area
from its source to Tiwara (Barmer) till where Sukri river meets it.
• It is a seasonal river
• Topography is marked by hills with steep slopes & extensive alluvial plains.
• This area is locally known as Naid (Rel) & is one of best alluvial plains.
• Livestock, milk production & dairy are the occupation of this region
• The calcareous substratum is exposed of the tract from the sea level is 450m.
• District: Nagaur
• The temperature being High, the evaporation of the saline flood-water results in the
deposits of the salt & soda in these depressions.
• No existing river or stream except ancient Ghaggar and region is known as Ghaggar
plain.
• It is a sandy plain interspersed with sand-dunes (6-30m high) & small sand-hills.
4. Abu Region
• Valleys between the hills are wide & in some cases stretch for many kilometers.
• Hill Ranges
o Torawati Hills
• Surrounded on
• The highest portion of Aravalli range lies between the forts of Kumbhalgarh &
Gogunda in the form of plateau locally known as 'Bhorat'
4. Abu region
• District- Sirohi
• Elevation: 1200 m
• It has been separated from the main Aravalli range by the wide valley of the West
Banas.
A. Chambal basin
• Average width- 10 Km
B. Banas Basin
• Mewar plain gradually slopes towards the east & north-east, with an average
elevation of 280- 500 m.
• The Banas & its tributaries Berach, Menal, Bandi, Mansi, Kothari, Khari flow through
this plain.
• District: Dungarpur
• The regions lies to the east of Mewar hills & south of the Banas plain.
• The western part of Mahi Basin is hilly but central & eastern parts are fertile plains
with extensive cultivation. These plains are also known as Chhappan plains.
• This dissected plain along with hill tracts of Banswara are Dungarpur are locally
known as Bagar.
• The Great Boundary Fault of the Aravallis forms its northwest boundary, which
extends eastward across the Rajasthan border.
A. Deccan highlands
• The western parts of the vindhyan plateau lie in the form of three concentric
escarpments.
• This physiography of south east of Rajasthan is also known as Uparmal (high or stony
plateau)
• Region is trained by Chambal and its tributaries Kali Sindh, Parwan and Parvati.
• Soil of the region is mostly black with visible deposits of Deccan Trap lava.
B. Vindhyan region
• The region presents an undulating topography strewn with boulders, blocks &
depressions.
• The scarps are facing towards the south-southeast between the Banas and the
Chambal and extend towards the east over Bundelkhand.