Rajasthan Day 2025: Know Date, History, Geography, Significance and More

Rajasthan’s Legacy: From Rajputana to a Cultural Powerhouse

March 30 is observed throughout the state to mark the establishment of Rajasthan. On this date in 1949, four states- Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer- merged into the United Rajasthan State, and the area began to be referred to as Greater Rajasthan. 

Previously, Rajasthan was referred to as Rajputana, signifying “Land of Rajputs.” Rajasthan translates to “home of rulers”. It lies in the northwestern region of the country and hosts cultural variety. Characteristics of the state comprise remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization, temples, and forts found in nearly every city. It is categorized into nine areas, specifically: Ajmer State, Hadauti, Dhundhar, Gorwar, Shekhawati, Mewar, Marwar, Vagad, and Mewat. They are similarly affluent in their cultural legacy and creative achievements. 

Keoladeo National Park, located close to Bharatpur, is a World Heritage Site famous for its avian population. The state features two national tiger reserves: Ranthambore National Park located in Sawai Madhopur and Sariska Tiger Reserve found in Alwar. Examine Rajasthan Day; what is the reason for its celebration on March 30? Its background, location, importance of the occasion, sayings, etc. 

Background of Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s history dates back approximately 5000 years. It can be divided into three sections: ancient, medieval, and modern. 

Ancient era, until 1200 AD 

Rajput dynasties arose and asserted their power in different regions of Rajasthan starting around 700 AD. Prior to that, it belonged to several republics. It belonged to the Maurya Empire. During that period, other significant republics that ruled over the region comprised the Malavas, Arjunyas, Yaudhyas, Kushanas, Shaka Kshatrapas, Guptas, and Huns. The history of India from the eighth to the twelfth centuries AD was predominantly influenced by Rajput dynasties. The Pratiharas governed large areas of northern India and Rajasthan from 750 to 1000 AD. Between 1000 and 1250 AD, Rajasthan witnessed a contest for dominance involving the Chalukyas, Paramaras, and Chauhans. 

Medieval era, 1201–1707 

Around 1200 AD, a portion of Rajasthan fell under Muslim leadership. The primary hubs of their dominance were Nagaur and Ajmer. Ranthambore was likewise within their jurisdiction. At the start of the 13th century AD, Mewar was the most significant and influential state in Rajasthan. 

Contemporary era, 1707–1947 

It is claimed that Rajasthan was never politically unified during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The province of Rajasthan was unified by Akbar. Following 1707, the fall of Mughal authority commenced. The cause of the political fragmentation was the collapse of the Mughal Empire. Following the fall of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas invaded Rajasthan. They took control of Ajmer in 1755. The invasion of the Pindaris marked the start of the 19th century. 

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What is the reason for celebrating Rajasthan Day on March 30? 

The state was established on 30 March 1949 when the title Rajputana, used by the British Crown, was integrated into the Dominion of India. Jaipur, as the biggest city, was named the capital of the state. 

On this day in 1949, four princely states- Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer-united to form the United Rajasthan State, and the area became recognized as Greater Rajasthan. 

The seven stages of Rajasthan’s formation (1948-1956) are outlined below: 

Group Name	States	Date of Integration
Matsya Union	Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli	17-03-1948
Rajasthan Union	Banswara, Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Kishangarh, Kota, Pratapgarh, Shahpura, Tonk	25-03-1948
United States of Rajasthan	Udaipur also joined the other union of Rajasthan.	18-04-1948
Greater Rajasthan	Bikaner, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur also joined the united Rajasthan state.	30-03-1949
United States of Greater Rajasthan	Matsya Union also merged with Greater Rajasthan	15-05-1949
United Rajasthan	18 princely states of united Rajasthan merged into Sirohi state, except Abu and Delwara.	26-01-1950
Reorganized Rajasthan	According to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, the former Part ‘C’ state of Ajmer, the eastern section of the princely state of Sirohi known as Abu Road taluka, along with the Sunel Tappa region of East Madhya Bharat, were integrated into Rajasthan, while the Siroj Upazila from Jhalawar district was moved to Madhya Pradesh.	01-11-1956

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Rajasthan holds cherished stories of bravery, nature, and heritage within its boundaries. The remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization are located at Kalibangan and Balathal, while the Dilwara Temple serves as a Jain pilgrimage destination nestled in Mount Abu, the sole hill station of Rajasthan, found in the ancient Aravalli mountain range. Additionally, eastern Rajasthan boasts Bharatpur’s Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage Site famous for its diverse bird species. Rajasthan is home to three national tiger reserves: Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve close to Kota, Sariska Tiger Reserve located in Alwar, and Ranthambore National Park found in Sawai Madhopur.