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Bikaner, heart of western Rajasthan, has been known as the "Tapo-Bhumi"
of great sages and saints of yore since pre-historic times. The holy
rivers Saraswati and Drishadwati used to flow in their glory in this
area. Archeologist believe that the great Indian desert, the Thar,
of which Bikaner is a part, was once an ocean, a belief which stands
substantiated by the presence of sedimentary layers of various kinds
of the precious clay, bajri etc. in the holy Kolayat area (55 km from
Bikaner). Over the times major geographic and topographic changes
took place when the sacred rivers dried up and the ocean receded .The
region then gradually changed into ocean of deserts. Flora and fauna
of the place typically reflects that of the desert .Trees are short
with thin leaves to avoid water losses and have deep roots.
During
the month of May-June thunderstorms are frequent post noon.
Sometimes
the wind may blow up to 120 kms per hour and may result
in heavy disaster. Average no. of storm days is around 18 per year
which is falling gradually due to increase in area under canal
irrigation.
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Mines and Minerals |
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Abridge Geographical Data of
Bikaner |
| Longitude |
Between
71º54' and 74º12' east |
| Latitude |
Between
27°11' and 29º 3' north |
| Area |
27244 sq. kms. |
| Altitude |
238
mts. above sea level |
| Population |
6,42,550
(1991 census) |
| Temperature |
Max ºC Min ºC
Summer
48
28
Winter
22
4 |
| Rainfall |
25 cm approx.
(annual.) |
| Languages |
Hindi,
Rajasthani &
English |
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Mines and Minerals
available in the region explain geography of the city. Gypsum,
Lignite ( at Palana-deposits pertaining to tertiary
era-approx. 20 million tones) ,Limestone, Red sandstone
and multani mitti are the key deposits of the
region.
ONGC explorations are in process for oil & gas deposits in
the Khajuwala tehsil of the region. |
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Agriculture & Irrigation |
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Prior to the canal
irrigation, agriculture in the region was highly relying on
the elusive rain. But with the advent of INDIRA
GANDHI CANAL (world's longest irrigation canal),
the scenario is changing drastically. The key produces now are
wheat, cotton, mustard, bazra, moth, groundnut etc.
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Animal
Husbandry: Despite the desert terrain Bikaner is still regarded as the key
producer of milk in the country.
Camel breed of this region is the best riding camel in
the world.
Here is the Asia's largest camel
breeding farm. |
Industry
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Flourishing industry of the place is bhujia and papad (food products) and Tourism. Ceramic
industry is growing fast. Woolen industry
(Carpet-weaving) also adds to the economy of place.
More....
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