Rajasthan GK Master Guide 2024
Comprehensive Study Material for RPSC (RAS, SI, REET) | Updated 50 Districts | History | Polity | Economy
🏛️ History, Art, Culture & Tradition
Ancient History: Rajasthan is the cradle of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, with **Kalibangan** (Hanumangarh) providing evidence of the world's earliest ploughed fields. The Copper Age civilizations flourished at **Ahar** (Udaipur) and **Ganeshwar** (Neem Ka Thana). During the Vedic era, the region was known as the Matsya Janapada (capital Viratnagar).
Medieval History: This era was defined by the resistance and valour of Rajput clans. The Guhils/Sisodias of Mewar (Bappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha, Maharana Pratap) are famous for their refusal to bow to foreign invaders. The Rathores of Marwar (Rao Jodha, Rao Maldeo) and the Kachwahas of Amer (who built strategic alliances with Mughals) shaped the political map. The Chauhans ruled Ajmer/Delhi (Prithviraj Chauhan III) and Ranthambore.
Modern History: The 1857 Revolt in Rajasthan began at **Nasirabad Cantonment** on May 28. Major uprisings occurred in Auwa (led by Kushal Singh) and Kota. The state witnessed powerful Peasant Movements like **Bijolia** (led by Vijay Singh Pathik) and Prajamandal movements striving for responsible government. The unification of Rajasthan was completed in 7 stages, finalizing on November 1, 1956.
Culture & Heritage: Rajasthan is world-famous for its **6 UNESCO Hill Forts** (Chittor, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amer, Jaisalmer). The artistic tradition includes **Miniature Paintings** (Mewar, Kishangarh’s ‘Bani Thani’, Bundi schools) and folk arts like **Phad** and **Thewa**. The spiritual landscape is dotted with shrines of **Folk Deities** like Ramdevji, Gogaji, and Tejaji.
🌍 Geography & Biodiversity
Rajasthan is India's largest state (342,239 sq km). It is physically divided into four distinct regions. The Aravalli Range acts as a water divide and checks the eastward spread of the desert.
Drainage System: Uniquely, 60% of the state falls under Inland Drainage (Rivers like Ghaggar, Kantli, Kakney disappear in the sand). The major river systems are the **Chambal** (only perennial river), **Luni** (Godwar region), **Mahi** (Tribal lifeline), and **Banas**.
⚖️ Constitution & Governance
- Legislature: Unicameral Vidhan Sabha with 200 Seats. (SC: 34, ST: 25).
- Judiciary: Rajasthan High Court was established in 1949. The Principal Seat is in Jodhpur, with a Bench in Jaipur.
- Local Governance: Rajasthan holds a special place in history as the Panchayati Raj System (3-tier) was first inaugurated here in **Nagaur (Bugdari Village) on Oct 2, 1959** by PM Nehru.
- Administration: The state is divided into 10 Divisions and 50 Districts. The Secretariat in Jaipur is the administrative nerve center.
💰 Economy & Finance
Public Finance: The state adheres to the **FRBM Act** to manage the Fiscal Deficit (target <3% of GSDP). The budget focuses heavily on **Social Welfare Schemes** (e.g., Chiranjeevi Health Insurance). Major revenue sources include State GST, Excise (Liquor), and Mining Royalties.
Key Economic Pillars:
• Minerals: Known as the "Museum of Minerals." Monopoly in Wollastonite, Lead-Zinc, and Selenite. Major producer of Silver and Rock Phosphate.
• Energy: National leader in Solar Power (World's largest park at Bhadla). Major oil production in the Barmer-Sanchore basin (Mangala field).
• Agriculture: Largest producer of Bajra, Mustard, Guar, and Wool in India.
🗺️ Part 2: The 50 Districts Dossier (Detailed)
1. Jaipur Division
01Jaipur (Urban)
History:Founded by Sawai Jai Singh II (18 Nov 1727). Architect: Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.
Culture:Famous for Teej & Gangaur festivals. Blue Pottery (Padma Shri Kripal Singh Shekhawat).
Heritage:UNESCO World Heritage City. Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Albert Hall.
Polity:Capital City. Seat of Vidhan Sabha and Secretariat.
Economy:Global hub for Gemstones & Jewelry. IT Parks (Sitapura). Tourism Banking center.
02Jaipur (Rural)
History:Includes Jamwa Ramgarh (Ancestral Capital of Kachwahas). Chomu Fort.
Geography:Sambhar Lake (Largest Inland Salt Lake in India, Ramsar Site).
Culture:Sheetla Mata Temple (Chaksu) - Famous for 'Basoda' (stale food) festival.
Economy:Major Salt Production (Hindustan Sambhar Salts Ltd). Leather complex at Manpura Macheri.
03Dudu
Polity:Currently the Smallest District by area in Rajasthan.
Governance:Historic site where the Aadhar Card scheme was first launched (2010).
History:Birthplace of Raja Man Singh I (Mozamabad). Famous for 52 Havelis.
04Kotputli-Behror
History:Contains Viratnagar (Bairath): Capital of Matsya Janapada, Ashoka's Bhabru Edict, Pandava exile site.
Culture:Jilani Mata (Behror). Beejak Ki Pahari (Buddhist remains).
Economy:Major Cement Hub (UltraTech, Ambuja). Industrial taxation hub.
05Dausa
Heritage:Chand Baori (Abhaneri) - Deepest stepwell. Mehandipur Balaji (Hanuman Ji - Exorcism).
History:First capital of Kachwaha Dynasty (Dulha Rai). Dausa Fort.
Geography:Moreel Dam. Harsat Mata Temple.
06Alwar
Geography:"Tiger Gate" of Rajasthan. Sariska Tiger Reserve (Green Pigeons).
History:Neemuchana Peasant Movement (1925). Bala Quila. Bhangarh (Haunted Fort).
Culture:Bhartrihari Temple (Nath Sect). Narayani Mata (Barwa Dungri).
Economy:Neemrana Japanese Zone (Auto Manufacturing). Part of NCR.
07Khairthal-Tijara
Economy:Contains Bhiwadi ("Modern Manchester of Rajasthan"). Major Glass & Auto Hub (Saint-Gobain).
Culture:Tijara Jain Temple (Chandra Prabhu). Ali Bakhshi Khayal folk theatre.
2. Sikar Division
08Sikar
Culture:Khatu Shyam Ji (Barbarik) Temple. Jeen Mata (Rewasa - longest folk song).
Geography:Harsh Parvat (Aravalli). Semi-arid climate.
Economy:Education Hub (Coaching Industry). High Dairy output.
09Jhunjhunu
Identity:"District of Soldiers." Highest per capita contribution to armed forces.
Heritage:Rani Sati Temple (Dadiji). Open Art Gallery (Havelis of Mandawa/Alsisar).
Sci-Tech:BITS Pilani & CEERI (Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute).
10Neem Ka Thana
Archaeology:Ganeshwar Civilization (Kantli River) - Known as the Mother of Copper Civilizations.
Economy:Khetri Copper Mines (Hindustan Copper Ltd). Cement Production.
Geography:Pre-Aravalli Hills.
11Churu
Geography:No River flows here. Hottest in Summer, Coldest in Winter.
Bio:Tal Chhapar Sanctuary (Blackbucks/Krishna Mrig).
History:Famous for firing Silver Cannonballs from Churu Fort (1814) to defend independence.
Culture:Salasar Balaji Temple (Bearded Hanuman Ji).
3. Bikaner Division
12Bikaner
History:Founded by Rao Bika (1488). Known as 'Jangal Pradesh'.
Heritage:Junagarh Fort (Chintamani - Unconquered). Karni Mata (Rat) Temple (Deshnok).
Sci-Tech:National Camel Research Centre (Joharbeed). Rajasthan State Archives.
Economy:Asia's biggest Wool Mandi. Ceramics. Bhujia (GI Tag).
13Sri Ganganagar
Economy:"Food Basket of Rajasthan". Top producer of Wheat and Kinnu (Citrus).
Geography:Northernmost District. Irrigated by Gang Canal (1927) & IGNP.
Culture:Gurudwara Budhha Johad. Dada Pamparam Dera.
14Hanumangarh
History:Kalibangan (Indus Valley - Black Bangles, Fire Altars). Bhatner Fort (Oldest Fort).
Geography:Entry point of Ghaggar River (Ancient Saraswati).
Culture:Gogamedi Fair (Gogaji Samadhi) - Symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Economy:Cotton Belt ("White Gold").
15Anupgarh
Heritage:Laila Majnu ki Mazar (Binjaur). Founded by Anup Singh.
Geography:Border District (Redcliffe Line). Carved from Ganganagar/Bikaner.
Economy:Agriculture-driven (Wheat/Mustard). Gypsum reserves.
4. Jodhpur Division
16Jodhpur (Urban)
History:Founded by Rao Jodha (1459). "Blue City" / "Sun City".
Heritage:Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada (Taj Mahal of Raj).
Polity:Judicial Capital (High Court Principal Seat).
Sci-Tech:ISRO Regional Centre, IIT, AIIMS, DRDO, CAZRI, AFRI.
17Jodhpur (Rural)
History:Khejarli Massacre (1730 - Amrita Devi Bishnoi sacrifice for trees).
Culture:Osian (Sun Temple - Khajuraho of Raj). I-Mata Temple (Bilara).
Economy:Mathania Chillies (Spices). White Cement (Kharia Khangar).
18Phalodi
Economy:"Salt City". "Satta Bazar" (Betting Market). Hottest place records.
Sci-Tech:Bhadla Solar Park (World's Largest Solar Park).
Bio:Khichan Bird Sanctuary (Demoiselle Cranes/Kurja).
Culture:Pabuji's Birthplace (Kolu Mand).
19Jaisalmer
Heritage:Sonar Fort (Golden Fort - Living Fort). Patwon Ki Haveli.
Geography:Desert National Park (Godawan Bird). Akal Wood Fossil Park.
Sci-Tech:Pokhran Nuclear Test Range (1974 & 1998). Wind Energy Parks.
Culture:Desert Festival. Tanot Mata (Army Devi). Ramdevra Fair (Runicha).
20Barmer
Economy:Petroleum Hub (Mangala, Bhagyam, Aishwaryam Fields). Lignite Power (Giral).
Culture:Mallinath Cattle Fair (Tilwara - Oldest). Thar Mahotsav.
Heritage:Kiradu Temples (Khajuraho of Rajasthan).
21Balotra
Economy:Pachpadra Refinery (HPCL). Textile Printing (Ajrakh - Red/Blue).
Geography:Pachpadra Salt Lake (98% NaCl). Luni River turns saline here.
Culture:Nakoda Bhairav Temple (Jain Tirth). Rani Bhatiyani (Jasol).
5. Pali Division
22Pali
Heritage:Ranakpur Jain Temples (1444 Pillars). Auwa (Center of 1857 Revolt).
Culture:Om Banna (Bullet Baba). Sugali Mata (Goddess of 1857).
Economy:Sojat Mehendi (GI Tag). Textile Dyeing/Printing.
Geo:Jawai Dam (Amrit Sarovar of Marwar).
23Jalore
History:Suvarnagiri Fort. Rule of Songara Chauhans (Kanhad Dev).
Culture:Sundha Mata Temple (First Ropeway of Raj). Sire Mandir (Nath Sect).
Economy:"Granite City" (Pink Granite). Isabgol processing.
24Sanchore
Economy:"Punjab of Rajasthan" due to Narmada Canal irrigation. National Kamdhenu University.
Heritage:Goga Ji Ki Olodi (Kiloriya ki Dhani).
25Sirohi
Geography:Mount Abu (Only Hill Station). Guru Shikhar (Highest Peak 1722m). Nakki Lake.
Heritage:Delwara Jain Temples (Masterpiece of Marble Carving). Achalgarh Fort.
Sci-Tech:ISRO Infrared Observatory.
6. Udaipur Division
26Udaipur
History:Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II (1559). "City of Lakes". City Palace.
Economy:Zawar Mines (Zinc/Silver). Rock Phosphate (Jhamarkotra). Tourism.
Sci-Tech:Solar Observatory (Fateh Sagar Lake).
Culture:Shilpgram (Crafts village). Eklingji Temple. Mewar Festival.
27Chittorgarh
Heritage:Chittorgarh Fort (Largest living fort). Famous for 3 Jauhars. Vijay Stambh.
Sci-Tech:Rawatbhata Nuclear Power Plant (Heavy Water Reactor).
Economy:Cement Hub. Sanwariya Seth Temple.
28Bhilwara
Economy:"Textile City" (Manchester of Rajasthan). Major Mica (Abhrak) production.
History:Bagor Civilization (Kothari River). Bijolia Peasant Movement started here.
Culture:Phool Dol Mela. Sawai Bhoj Temple (Asind).
29Rajsamand
History:Haldighati (Battle of 1576). Kumbhalgarh Fort (36km Wall - Great Wall of India).
Culture:Shrinathji Temple (Nathdwara - Pichhwai Art).
Economy:Marble & Tire Industry (JK Tyres). 5G Launch City (Nathdwara).
30Salumbar
Geography:Jaisamand Lake (Asia's 2nd largest artificial lake) is now in this district.
History:Home of Hadi Rani (Sacrifice). Chundawat Thikana.
Culture:Idana Mata (Fire Bath Goddess).
7. Banswara Division
31Banswara
Geography:"City of 100 Islands". Tropic of Cancer passes through here.
Economy:Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam (Hydro). Gold Deposits (Anandpura Bhukia).
Heritage:Mangarh Dham (Tribal Jallianwala Bagh). Tripura Sundari Temple.
32Dungarpur
Culture:Beneshwar Dham (Tribal Kumbh - Confluence of Som/Mahi/Jakham).
Heritage:Juna Mahal. Gap Sagar Lake.
Economy:First Organic Farming District of Rajasthan. Green Marble.
33Pratapgarh
Art:Thewa Art (Gold fusion on Glass - GI Tag).
Bio:Sita Mata Sanctuary (Famous for Flying Squirrels).
Economy:Opium Cultivation (Kanthal Region).
8. Ajmer Division
34Ajmer
Heritage:Dargah Sharif (Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti). Pushkar (Brahma Temple).
Polity:Seat of Revenue Board & RPSC HQ. "Heart of Rajasthan".
Economy:Poultry (Egg Bowl). Religious Tourism.
35Beawar
History:Founded by Col. Dixon. Walled City.
Economy:Krishna Mills (1889) - First textile mill of Rajasthan. Cement industry.
Culture:Badshah Mela (Birbal Dance) on Holi.
36Kekri
Economy:Major Agricultural Mandi.
Culture:Baghera Varaha Temple.
Geo:Banas River catchment area.
37Tonk
Heritage:"City of Nawabs" (Muslim Princely State). Sunheri Kothi.
Geo:Bisalpur Dam (Water Lifeline for Jaipur/Ajmer).
Economy:Bidi Industry. Namda (Felt) Art. Garnet (Tamda) Mining.
38Nagaur
Polity:Panchayati Raj inaugurated here (1959).
Culture:Teja Ji Cattle Fair (Parbatsar). Dadhimati Mata (Goth Manglod).
Economy:"Metal City" (Hand tools). Spices (Methi). Tungsten (Degana).
39Didwana-Kuchaman
Geo:Salt Lakes (Nawa, Didwana, Kuchaman).
Economy:Makrana Marble (Taj Mahal Stone). Salt Industry.
Tech:High-speed Railway Test Track (Nawa).
40Shahpura
Art:Phad Painting (Joshi Family).
History:Home of Barhath Family (Freedom Fighters). First to grant responsible govt.
Culture:Ram Snahi Sect (Phool Dol Mela).
9. Kota Division
41Kota
Economy:Education City (Coaching). Kota Stone. Kota Doria Sarees.
Sci-Tech:Thermal Power Plant. Proximity to Atomic Power.
Culture:Dussehra Mela. Seven Wonders Park. Chambal Gardens.
42Bundi
Heritage:City of Stepwells (Raniji ki Baori). Taragarh Fort. 84-Pillared Cenotaph.
Art:Bundi School of Painting (Bird/Animal themes).
Economy:Rice Cultivation (Basmati).
43Baran
Geo-Sci:Ramgarh Crater (Geo-Heritage Meteorite Impact Site).
Culture:Sahariya Tribe (Primitive Group). Sitabari Fair. Bhand Devra (Mini Khajuraho).
Economy:Spices (Coriander). Anta Gas Power Plant (NTPC).
44Jhalawar
Heritage:Gagron Fort (UNESCO Water Fort). Sun Temple (City of Bells).
Geo:Highest Rainfall ("Cherrapunji of Rajasthan").
Economy:Orange City (Citrus). Chandrabhaga Cattle Fair.
10. Bharatpur Division
45Bharatpur
Bio:Keoladeo National Park (UNESCO Bird Paradise).
Heritage:Lohagarh Fort (Invincible Mud Fort). Ganga Mandir.
Sci-Tech:National Mustard Research Center (Sewar).
46Dholpur
Geo:Red Diamond City (Red Stone). Chambal Ravines.
Heritage:Machkund (Pilgrimage). Nihal Tower (Clock Tower).
47Karauli
Culture:Kaila Devi Temple (Yaduvanshi Deity - Languirya Dance).
Geo:Dang Region (Badlands).
Economy:Sandstone Mining.
48Sawai Madhopur
Bio:Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (Project Tiger).
Heritage:Ranthambore Fort (Trinetra Ganesh Temple).
Economy:Wildlife Tourism. Guava Production.
49Gangapur City
Culture:Dhundheshwar Dham.
Economy:Famous for Kheer Mohan Sweet. Food Processing Hub.
50Deeg
Heritage:"City of Water Palaces" (Jal Mahal). Famous for Colored Fountains.
History:Summer Capital of Bharatpur Jat Rulers (Badan Singh).
Economy:Tourism.
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