Rajasthan | History, Facts, Concerns and Measures | M Ajay Jenix | The New Indian Society

The name Rajasthan means "The abode of the Rajas", this region was formerly called as Rajputana which means "The country of Rajputs"

In the early 18th century Maratha empire began to gain control over the Rajasthan region, during this time most of the Rajput ruled regions came under the rule of Marathas, however their power began to decline soon after this region came under influence of British East India Company

After our independence the present day Rajasthan state was formed on 30th March 1949

Key facts

1. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan

2. Rajasthan is the largest state in India in terms of area

3. Thar desert is present in Rajasthan

4. India's saline river Luni flows through Rajasthan

5. Aravalli range is one of the oldest fold mountain range in the world

6. Tropic of cancer passes through Rajasthan

7. Ghoomar is the traditional folk dance of Rajasthan

8. Indus Valley site Kalibangan is present in Rajasthan

9. Pokhran in Rajasthan served as nuclear test site for operation smiling buddha

Old man wearing Pagari and playing folk music in thar desert to entertain tourists

Major Concerns

1. Existence of child marriage

2. Practice of untouchability

3. Female foeticide

4. Water scarcity hinders economic progress of state

5. Prevalence of silicosis

Measures can be taken

1. Empowering people to report on child marriages to government authorities and Educating people through community programs on harm effects of child marriage will help to reduce child marriage

2. In-order to reduce practice of untouchability, solutions like scholarships for depressed class in education, empowering them though economic opportunities, government initiatives for them in housing & employment facilities will support depressed classes in long run

3. Education on good child sex ratio for better functioning of society, eradication of gender related harmful practices, awareness through NGO's and panchayat level initiatives & framing government strategy to eradicate female foeticide will help to solve female foeticide issue

4. Well recharge techniques in rural areas for irrigation, construction of canals between important rivers of Indus river system and key cities of Rajasthan will help in urban development and attract tourists to the state. Water harvesting and water treatment solutions can also be utilised in full potential. Knowledge sharing from Middle-East countries about their water-management & urban development techniques in dry and arid regions

5. Government policies for human settlements away from silica dust helps to prevent silicosis

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Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love - Mother Teresa

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