RAS question
The Thar Desert covers approximately what percentage of Rajasthan's total area?
Correct answer: (D) 61%.
The Thar Desert covers approximately 61% of Rajasthan's total area.
Explanation
Rajasthan's desert belt is not a small western fringe; it dominates the state's north-western physiography. The Thar Desert extends across western Rajasthan and covers about 2,09,000 sq km. Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board states that the Aravali Range divides the state, with about 60% lying to the north-west of the range; that north-western tract is sandy, water-scarce, and includes the Thar Desert. The 61% figure captures the approximate desert share of Rajasthan's area and aligns with the broad 60% north-western desert-zone pattern.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 50% is too low because the accepted figure is about 61%, and Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board describes a much larger north-western tract of roughly 60% that includes the Thar Desert.
- (B) 40% is too low because the 40% side of the Aravali division refers to the south-eastern part of Rajasthan, not the desert-dominated north-western tract.
- (C) 75% overstates the desert extent because the Thar Desert's coverage is about 61%, not three-fourths of the state.
Concept
Rajasthan physiography includes the Aravali-based division between the north-western desert tract and the south-eastern region. Desert extent, rainfall contrast, and regional landform divisions are core facts in Rajasthan geography.