Mevad Ek Bahugolik Visheshan

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This document, "Mewar: A Geographical Analysis," authored by Dr. Basant Sinh, a Professor in the Geography Department at Rajasthan University, Jaipur, presents a detailed geographical overview of the Mewar region. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Mewar's physical and geographical characteristics, serving as a foundation for comprehending its internal spiritual essence and historical significance.

Location and Boundaries: Mewar, situated in the lap of the Aravalli mountain range, is a distinct geographical entity that has historically fostered the glorious past of Rajasthan's Rajput rulers. It lies in the southern part of Rajasthan, spanning from 23°46' to 25°58' North latitude and 73°15' to 75°46' East longitude, covering an area of 47,372 square miles. Its north-south extent is approximately 120 miles, and its maximum east-west extent is 60 miles. Historically, it has been a well-defined political unit, bordered by the Aravalli hills to the west, parts of Banaskantha and Sabarkantha districts of Gujarat to the south, the Chambal and Hadoti regions to the east, and the historically privileged Ajmer district (formed during British rule) to the north. The Mewar region is also known as the Udaipur Division and comprises five districts of Rajasthan: Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Dungarpur, and Banswara.

Topography and Geology: The physical landscape of Mewar is primarily shaped by the Aravalli mountain ranges, which are Tertiary-era formations. These ranges consist predominantly of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The highest point in the region is Mount Abu (1727 meters), locally referred to as the Bhorat Plateau (1225 meters). In the south-east, around Udaipur, these hills feature numerous projections and curved ridges, with some peaks exceeding 1225 meters and appearing like walls. The geology of the Aravallis in Mewar shows similarities with the Deccan Trap. Schistose rocks related to the Aravalli series are found in Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Banswara. Rocks of the Deccan Trap are present in Chittorgarh and Bhilwara, while Bundelkhand gneiss and Delhi series rocks are found in other areas. Vindhyan rocks are also present in some parts. The hills of Mewar extend across Udaipur district (excluding Mavli, Rajsamand, and Vallabhnagar), southeastern Pali, and parts of Gujarat. Geologically, these mountain ranges appear to be remnants of a peneplained surface with residual flat-topped hills. Erosion, diurnal temperature variations, and sandy winds have significantly influenced the landform development. The major rivers originating from this range include the Banas, Mahi, and Khari. The Banas river is beneficial to a large part of the region as it flows through the central plains. The historic Battle of Haldighati, fought against foreign subjugation, took place on the banks of this river. The Khari river forms the border between Mewar and Ajmer. Other locally important rivers include Mahi, Gambheri, Berav, Chambal, Gejali, Bamani, Kaldi, Begon, Bakal, Chandrabhaga, Gomati, and Kusumbi. In addition to natural water sources, the region is also significant for its artificial reservoirs, with Jaisamand, Rajsamand, and Udaisagar being particularly noteworthy. Jaisamand is considered the largest artificial lake in the world.

Climate: Mewar's climate is situated between humid eastern and arid western regions, making it beneficial for its native inhabitants but relatively unfavorable for outsiders. The climate can be classified as semi-arid. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C, with an average annual rainfall of 60 cm. January experiences the coldest temperatures (11°C in the north and 16°C in the south), while May and June are the hottest, with temperatures sometimes reaching 44°C. Cold waves in winter and hot dusty winds ("loo") in summer are notable climatic factors. Like the rest of the country, about 60% of the total rainfall occurs within three months (July-September), primarily from the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon, with the amount decreasing from east and northeast towards the west and southwest. Mount Abu receives the highest rainfall. The variation in rainfall and its location between two climatic zones contribute to the diversity of natural vegetation, resulting in a mix of deciduous and semi-evergreen trees. Deforestation, grazing, and shifting cultivation have significantly impacted the natural vegetation. Mount Abu still preserves its forest wealth. Notable trees in Mewar forests include Mango, Acacia, Ber, Dhak, Gular, Peepal, Mahua, Neem, Teak, Banyan, and Jamun. These trees yield products like gum, Mahua, honey, and wax. Wildlife includes cheetahs, leopards, wild boars, and deer.

Soil and Minerals: The region primarily has ferrous red, mixed red, and black soils. Most of these soils are affected by soil erosion. Mewar holds a significant position on Rajasthan's mineral map, with the Aravalli region contributing about 75% of the state's mineral production. Major minerals found include iron ore, soapstone, asbestos, manganese, mica, limestone, beryl, zinc, lead, silver, copper, and bauxite. Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Chittorgarh are the most important centers for mineral production.

Agriculture: The topography, soil, and climate directly influence the agricultural conditions and produce of a region. Mewar's rocky terrain, red and ferrous soils, and monsoon-dependent climate create a unique agricultural profile. The region primarily cultivates two crops annually: Kharif and Rabi. Maize is the main staple grain grown almost everywhere. Sugarcane is also produced in sufficient quantities due to irrigation from small artificial ponds, and it is considered a first-class crop in the Chittorgarh region. Kharif crops also include rice and groundnuts. Wheat is an important Rabi crop, with one crop of wheat grown annually (fallow monsoon). However, with the development of irrigation facilities (wells, canals, and ponds), wheat is becoming more popular, and land is increasingly used for two crops (7% of cultivated land). The primary focus on grain production is a major characteristic of agriculture in this region. The distribution of irrigation resources is site-specific, with canals and wells in plain areas and ponds in plateau regions. The entire region is now covered by a network of minor irrigation projects, and efforts are being made to utilize the water of almost all the region's rivers beneficially. The Mahi project is one of the most significant projects in the region.

Industries and Transport: The region has historically been renowned for agriculture and cottage industries, with ancient handicrafts. However, post-independence, progressive policies and incentives from the state administration have led to the emergence of various mineral-based industries. In the Udaipur industrial area, notable industries include zinc smelters, cement factories, cotton textiles, glass factories, and liquor and pharmaceutical industries. Woodwork, textile printing, and dye industries are also progressing significantly. The Bhilwara-Chittorgarh industrial complex is known for cotton textiles, edible oils, mica, and wood cutting and seasoning. The region's transportation network includes all types of roads, railways, and air routes. Consequently, most of the cities like Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Mavli, Udaipur, and Dungarpur are connected by rail. The central part of the region enjoys good railway, road, and air connectivity. The narrow-gauge line connecting Delhi and Ahmedabad passes through this region. The region is also accessible by daily air services to Mumbai, Udaipur, and Delhi. Road services are particularly noteworthy, with all major cities now connected by road. Important routes include Bhilwara-Udaipur (208 km), Ajmer-Bhilwara (133 km), and Bhilwara-Chittorgarh (115 km). National Highway No. 8 runs north-south through the region. A large-scale plan by the Rajasthan government is underway to connect rural and backward interior areas with paved roads; however, unpaved roads still serve as the primary means of transportation. Efficient transportation between production and distribution centers has not yet been fully established.

Population and Future Prospects: The total population of Mewar is approximately 50 lakh, with an average density of about 112 persons per square kilometer. The text provides a table detailing the population distribution, density, sex ratio, and urbanization percentage at the district level for Bhilwara, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, and Banswara.

With the advantage of these geographical factors, this historically and strategically important region is undergoing a significant transformation in terms of resource utilization patterns. The Chambal sub-grid station, availability of abundant water, presence of diverse minerals, improving transport facilities, and overall political patronage are transforming it into a strong agricultural-industrial region. Furthermore, the presence of numerous educational institutions, including universities, medical colleges, agriculture colleges, women's colleges, Ayurvedic colleges, and various secondary schools in major cities, tehsil headquarters, and large villages, is contributing to the progressive development and bright future prospects of the region.