Where is the Thar desert located?
The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert, is located in the northwestern part of India and Pakistan. It covers about 200,000 square kilometers (77,000 square miles), making it the 18th largest desert in the world and the 9th largest hot desert.
Most of the Thar Desert (about 85%) is in India, where it mostly covers the state of Rajasthan, and also extends into Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana. The major areas include Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer, and Bikaner. The rest (15%) is in Pakistan, stretching into the provinces of Sindh and Punjab.
Nearby, you’ll find the Indo-Gangetic Plain to the north and east, the Rann of Kutch to the south, and the Aravali Range to the east.
Climate and Weather
In the Thar Desert, rainfall is generally low and varies greatly depending on the location. In the western parts of the desert, it receives about 4 inches (100 mm) of rain or less each year, while the eastern parts get up to 20 inches (500 mm). Rainfall amounts can change a lot from year to year.
Most of the rain falls during the southwest monsoon season, which runs from July to September. This period brings about 90% of the desert’s total annual rainfall. Outside of this season, the dominant wind is the dry northeast monsoon.
The hottest months are May and June, with temperatures reaching as high as 122°F (50°C). In January, the coldest month, temperatures can drop to between 41°F and 50°F (5°C to 10°C), and frost is common. Dust storms and strong winds, which can reach speeds of 87 to 93 miles per hour (140 to 150 km/h), are frequent in May and June.
An Important River of the Indian Desert
The Luni River begins in the Naga Hills of Rajasthan and travels through the state, eventually emptying into a broad, shallow area in Gujarat. Unlike many rivers, the Luni does not flow into another watercourse or the sea.
In its initial 100 kilometers, the water of the Luni River is fresh. However, as it continues its journey through the desert landscape, it becomes shallow and wide, leading to increased salinity. By the time it reaches its end, the river water is saline.
During the dry season, the Luni River can dry up completely, leaving its riverbed parched and empty.
Land and Plants
The Thar Desert features a variety of soil types, each with distinct characteristics. Desert soils are sandy and dry, fitting the typical desert environment. In addition, red desertic soils are found here, which are reddish due to their high iron content. Another type, sierozems, are brownish-gray soils commonly seen in arid areas. The red and yellow soils of the foothills, located in the lower parts of the desert, get their colors from iron and other minerals.
In the depressions, saline soils are common, known for their high salt content. Lithosols, which are shallow and rocky, are found in hilly areas, while regosols, which are soft and loose, also appear in the hills.
Most of these soils are coarse-textured and well-drained, with a high calcium content, leading to a build-up of lime at various depths. Despite these features, the soils are generally infertile and prone to severe wind erosion, which often causes them to be covered in sand.
In the Thar Desert, the natural vegetation is categorized as northwestern thorn scrub forest. This means you’ll find small, scattered patches of greenery throughout the dry landscape.
As you move from west to east in the desert, these green patches become more frequent and larger. This change corresponds with an increase in rainfall.
The primary vegetation in the Thar Desert includes various trees, shrubs, and perennial herbs. Some examples are:
Animals and Wildlife
In the Thar Desert, you can find several wildlife species that are becoming rare in other parts of India. Animals like the blackbuck, chinkara, and Indian wild ass are found in larger numbers here.
The chinkara, also known as the Indian gazelle, is a prominent resident of the Thar Desert. This species is well-adapted to the harsh, arid conditions of the desert. With its slender build and graceful movements, the chinkara thrives in the sparse vegetation and open landscapes of the Thar. Its ability to survive with minimal water and its sense of alertness help it navigate the challenging environment. It makes it a key part of the desert’s unique ecosystem.
These animals are well-suited to the desert environment. They are generally smaller than their relatives in other areas. They are mostly active at night, which helps them avoid the intense daytime heat. Additionally, the grasslands in this desert region have not been turned into cropland as quickly as in other places. This has helped preserve their natural habitat.
The Bishnois, a local community in the region, play a crucial role in protecting these animals. Their efforts in conservation help ensure that these species continue to thrive in the Thar Desert.
The Thar Desert is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to an impressive 141 species of birds. For example, you’ll see harriers, buzzards, kestrels, and falcons. And that’s not all—vultures are also part of the mix.
In addition to these, you might spot short-toed eagles, tawny eagles, greater spotted eagles, and laggar falcons. Each one adds to the desert’s rich avian diversity.
Moreover, the Indian peafowl, or peacock, stands out in this environment. This bird isn’t just a national symbol of India; it’s also the provincial bird of Punjab in Pakistan.
Furthermore, peacocks in the Thar Desert can often be seen perched on khejri or pipal trees. Their vibrant feathers offer a stunning contrast to the desert’s arid backdrop, making the landscape even more striking.
People and Culture
Most people in the Thar Desert live in rural areas, with their distribution varying across the region. The population practices both Islam and Hinduism, and there are many different economic and social groups.
In the southwest, Sindhi is the main language spoken. In the northwest, Lahnda is prevalent. in the central and eastern parts of the Thar, Rajasthani languages, especially Marwari, are common.
The Thar Desert is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups. Among them, the Rajputs are prominent in the central Thar. Many nomads live in the desert, working in animal husbandry, crafts, or trade. These nomads and the settled population often work together, supporting each other’s economies.
Challenges and Conservation
In the Thar Desert, grasses are a vital natural resource. They provide essential pasturage for animals and are also used locally for making medicines. Some grasses contain alkaloids, which are used to produce medicine and soap.
The Thar Desert is home to five major breeds of cattle. The Tharparkar breed is known for its high milk production. The Kankre breed is valued both as a strong work animal and for its milk. Sheep in the desert are raised for both medium-fine and rough wool.
Camels are widely used in the Thar Desert. They serve as transport animals and help with plowing fields and other agricultural tasks. When water is available, farmers in the desert cultivate crops such as wheat and cotton.
Water is incredibly scarce in the Thar Desert. The little rainfall the region gets is collected in tanks and reservoirs. This water is essential for drinking and everyday domestic use.
Unfortunately, most of the groundwater is not usable. It’s often found deep underground and tends to be saline.
However, there are some exceptions. Good aquifers have been discovered in the central part of the desert. Despite this, wells and tanks remain crucial for accessing water.
In the northwest, the Gang Canal brings water from the Sutlej River to the desert.
In India, the Indira Gandhi Canal is a vital irrigation source. It begins at the Harike Barrage, where the Sutlej and Beas rivers converge in Indian Punjab. From there, it stretches about 290 miles (470 kilometers) south and west into the Thar Desert.
Tourism
Desert safaris on camels have gained popularity near Jaisalmer, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Many visitors come to experience camel rides that can last from one day to several days. These safaris offer a range of options, from budget-friendly backpacker treks to luxurious Arabian night-style campsites. The upscale campsites often feature banquets and cultural performances.
During these treks, tourists get a chance to explore the delicate and stunning ecosystem of the Thar Desert. This form of ecotourism supports the local economy, providing income for many camel operators and owners in Jaisalmer. It also creates job opportunities for camel trekkers in nearby desert villages.
Additionally, people from around the world come to see events like the Pushkar Fair (Pushkar ka Mela) and visit the desert’s oases. These attractions add to the region’s appeal and contribute to its thriving tourism industry.
