The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is the largest desert in India and ranks as the 17th largest desert in the world. This vast arid region stretches across four Indian states—Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan—and extends into two Pakistani provinces—Sindh and Punjab. Approximately 85% of the Thar Desert is situated in India, with 62% of it lying within Rajasthan.
Geography and Area
The Thar Desert spans around 200,000 square kilometers and is naturally bounded by:
- The Indus River Plains to the northwest
- The Punjab Plains to the north
- The Aravalli Hills to the east
- The Rann of Kutch to the south
Regions of the Thar Desert
The Indian portion of the Thar Desert is categorized into two distinct areas:
- Western Thar (Marusthali): This part is highly arid, featuring extreme desert conditions.
- Eastern Thar (Bagar Desert): This region is home to the Luni River, the only river flowing through the Thar Desert. Additionally, the Sambhar Salt Lake, India’s largest inland saltwater lake, lies on its border, situated 80 km from Jaipur and 64 km from Ajmer.
Population and Density
Despite its harsh climate, the Thar Desert has a dense human population. Around 40% of Rajasthan’s population resides here, making it the most densely populated desert in the world, with an average population density of 83 people per square kilometer.
Wildlife and Vegetation
The Thar Desert supports a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. Some of the notable wildlife species include:
- Blackbuck
- Chinkara
- Indian Wild Ass
- Red Fox
- Peacock
- Sand Grouse
The vegetation consists of herbaceous plants that have adapted to the extreme conditions, such as:
- Cactus
- Neem
- Khejri
- Acacia Nilotica
Protected Areas
Several protected areas have been established to conserve the Thar Desert’s biodiversity, including:
- Desert National Park
- Tal Chhapar Sanctuary
- Sundha Mata Conservation Reserve
Type of farming is most common in the Thar Desert
The most common type of farming in the Thar Desert is subsistence farming, primarily relying on drought-resistant crops such as bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum), moth beans, and guar (cluster beans). Due to low rainfall and arid conditions, rain-fed agriculture is practiced, and in some areas, canal irrigation (such as from the Indira Gandhi Canal) supports limited cultivation of crops like wheat and mustard. Livestock rearing, particularly of camels, sheep, and goats, is also an essential part of the region’s agricultural economy.