Barmer

Barmer was a beehive of activity till a few centuries ago, and a number of important kingdoms flourished at various times in the district during the medieval age. The chief principalities of Barmer at the time were Khed, Kiradu, Pachpadra, Jasol, Tilwara, Sheo, Balotara and Mallani. It was the Panwara clan which had strong links with the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat, whose sphere of influence extended right across the Barmer region at the time. Later they wrested Mandore, which was the former capital of Jodhpur and held it for a while. Meanwhile, Khed and Mallani districts were captured by the Guhil Rajputs who were ruling over Mewar at the time.



In 1212AD Rao Siha, founder of the Rathore clan, conquered Khed in Barmer district and planted the Rathore flag in the area. The region was regained by the Guhil Rajput Pratap Singh, but was later reclaimed by the Rathore Rao Asthan. Not much is known about the history of Barmer for a while after that until a ruler Tribhuvansi ascended the throne, which led to fratricidal feud with his cousin Mallinath. The ambitious Mallinath (after whom the town of Mallani was later named) sought the assistance of the Sultanate ruling at Delhi at the time and defeated Tribhuvansi’s army in 1374.

Barmer has an average elevation of 227 metres (744 feet). The total area of Barmer district is 28387 km². On its north is Jaisalmer, on south is Jalore, in east Pali and Jodhpur, 270 km in west is Pakistan.

It is 3727 ft (1,136 m) above sea level and 22 km in length. The longest river in the district is Luni. It is 480 km in length. For most of us who are from southern, northern or eastern part of India, river luni will seem to be a small inland drain. Luni drops into Gulf of Kutch passing through Jalore. The variation in temperature in various seasons is quite high. In summers the temperature soars to 46 °C to 48 °C. In winters it drops to 5 °C (41 °F). Primarily Barmer district is a desert where average rainfall in a year is 277 mm. However, extreme rainfall of 549 mm rain between August 16 and August 25, 2006 left many dead and huge losses. As many as 20 new lakes formed, and 6 covered an area of over 10 km².

The rich tradition of arts and handicraft making has been kept alive by the people of Barmer. The artisans of the city are famous for creating beautiful carved wooden items, excellent pots and vases, exquisite and embroidered carpets and rugs and dyed and hand printed textiles of vivid colors. Sadar bazaar is famous for its sequined and embroidered ghagras and other traditional dresses and all these contribute in the growing economy of Barmer

Barmer is the abode of certain flora and fauna that are particularly endemic to arid regions and are specially adapted biologically to survive in the dry, waterless regions of the state. Owing to the varied topography one can find an assortment of flora and fauna and avifauna in Barmer. The forest vegetation that accounts for 9% in Rajasthan is deciduous and has thorny trees, grasses and shrubs. The tree species found are teak, bamboo, varied species of acacia and khejri. Some National Parks house numerous species of herbs and plants that have medicinal values. The fauna of Barmer consists of 11 species of lizards and 13 species of serpents including the Spiny Tail Lizards and the Russel's Vipers. Other wildlife species include Antelopes, Indian Gazelles or Chinkaras, endangered Great Indian Bustard, Black Bucks, the Nilgai or the bluebull, wild cats, silver foxes ans so on. There are about 450 species of avifauna including various migratory birds.