Thar

The Thar, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a large arid region in the northwestern Indian subcontinent. It stretches across western India, primarily the state of Rajasthan, and into eastern Pakistan’s Sindh province, with smaller extensions into Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. The desert covers roughly 200,000 to 300,000 square kilometers, making it one of the world’s largest deserts.

Geography and climate: The landscape comprises sand dunes, sandy plains, and rocky plateaus with sparse vegetation. The climate is harsh and arid, with most areas receiving less than 250 millimeters of rain annually. Summer temperatures can exceed 45–50°C, while winter nights can be cold; the region experiences wide diurnal temperature variation and periodic dust storms.

Ecology: The Thar supports drought-tolerant flora and a range of desert-adapted animals, including camels, desert fox, the chinkara or blackbuck, and various lizard and bird species. The great Indian bustard, among the region’s most endangered birds, has been noted in parts of the desert.

People and economy: The Thar is home to communities such as Rajputs, Bhils, and Mehwars, with livelihoods based on pastoralism, rainfed agriculture, and increasingly tourism and mining. Irrigation projects, including the Indira Gandhi Canal in India, have expanded agricultural potential in portions of the desert. Tourism on camel safaris and desert festivals also contributes to local economies.

History and significance: The region has long served as a cultural and trade crossroads, with historic cities like Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. The Thar’s arid landscapes have shaped local customs, crafts, music, and architecture, and it remains a focal point for studies in desert ecology and climate adaptation.