Encyclopedia Article
Map of Thar Desert
Thar Desert or Great Indian Desert, extensive region of sandy desert in north-western India and eastern Pakistan. The desert is bounded on the north-west by the Sutlej River, on the east by the Aravalli Range, on the south by the salt marsh known as the Rann of Kachchh, and on the west by the Indus River plain. Located mainly in Rajasthan State, India, the Thar Desert is about 805 km (500 mi) long and about 485 km (300 mi) wide. The terrain consists mainly of rolling sandhills, among which are found scattered vegetation and rock outcroppings. The altitude ranges from about 457 m (1,500 ft) in the lower reaches of the Aravallis to about 61 m (200 ft) near the Rann of Kachchh. Rainfall is sparse, averaging from 127 to 254 mm (5 to 10 in) annually. Temperatures rise as high as 52.8° C (127° F) in July. A large irrigation and power project has reclaimed areas of the northern and western desert for agriculture. The small population is mostly pastoral, and hide and wool industries are prominent. In 1974 India detonated its first nuclear device here