Rajasthan is a state located in northwestern India . It is the largest Indian state by area and is situated between latitudes 23°03' and 30°12' N and longitudes 69°29' and 78°17' E. It shares borders with Pakistan to the west and northwest, and with the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat to the north, northeast. HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN Rajasthan, previously known as Rajputana, has a rich history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization and the Vedic period . The region was home to various kingdoms and empires, including the Mauryan, Gupta, and Harsha empires. In the 12th century, the Rajputs, a warrior caste, emerged as a prominent force in the region, and the name "Rajputana" became more pronounced. After India's independence in 1947, the princely states of Rajputana were merged into the new Indian Union, officially forming Rajasthan on March 30, 1949. Vedic Period: During the Vedic per...