Jaisalmer district is an administrative district of the state of Rajasthan in western India. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert and is the largest district of Rajasthan by area, as well as one of the largest districts in India. Its administrative headquarters is the historic city of Jaisalmer, founded in the 12th century by Rawal Jaisal of the Bhati Rajput dynasty.
Key facts
| State | Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| Region | Marwar / Thar Desert |
| Headquarters | Jaisalmer |
| Country | India |
| International border | Pakistan (to the west) |
| Climate | Hot desert (arid) |
| Major language | Marwari, Hindi |
Geography
Jaisalmer district occupies the westernmost part of Rajasthan and shares an international border with Pakistan. The terrain is dominated by sand dunes, rocky outcrops and dry scrubland typical of the Thar. Notable physical features include the Sam and Khuri sand dunes, the seasonal Kak River, and the saline depression of the Desert National Park, which extends across parts of Jaisalmer and the neighbouring Barmer district. The district is bounded by Bikaner to the north, Jodhpur to the east and Barmer to the south.
Rainfall is scanty and erratic, and groundwater is the principal source of water for agriculture and habitation. The Indira Gandhi Canal has extended irrigation into northern parts of the district, transforming agriculture in some tehsils.
History
The region formed the core of the former princely state of Jaisalmer, ruled by the Bhati Rajputs from the 12th century until its accession to the Indian Union after independence in 1947. Jaisalmer state was integrated into the United State of Greater Rajasthan in 1949, and the district was constituted as part of the new state of Rajasthan.
Historically, Jaisalmer lay on important caravan routes linking India to Central Asia and the Middle East, which contributed to the prosperity of its merchants and the construction of richly carved sandstone havelis such as Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. The Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156, is one of the few "living forts" in the world and is inscribed as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Administration
The district is administered by a District Collector and Magistrate of the Indian Administrative Service, with law and order overseen by a Superintendent of Police. For administrative purposes the district is divided into tehsils and panchayat samitis, with rural local government exercised through the Zila Parishad. Jaisalmer city is the principal urban centre and serves as the seat of district administration; Pokhran is another important town in the district.
Economy
The economy of Jaisalmer district rests on a combination of agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, tourism and renewable energy.
- Agriculture and pastoralism: Bajra (pearl millet), guar, moth bean and wheat are the principal crops, while rearing of camels, sheep and goats is widespread.
- Mining: The district has significant deposits of limestone, gypsum, sandstone and bentonite. Yellow Jaisalmer sandstone is widely used in construction and decorative work.
- Hydrocarbons: Natural gas and oil exploration in the Jaisalmer basin has been undertaken by ONGC and other operators.
- Renewable energy: Jaisalmer is one of India's largest centres of wind power generation, and several large solar parks have been developed in the district, taking advantage of high insolation and open land.
- Tourism: The fort, havelis, Sam dunes and desert safaris attract domestic and international visitors, particularly during the annual Jaisalmer Desert Festival.
Defence and strategic significance
Owing to its location along the international border, the district hosts significant military and paramilitary establishments, including units of the