History of Environment and Man in the Thar Desert

Abstract

The Thar Desert is a large, arid region in western Rajasthan, India, with a low annual rainfall and a history of human occupation dating back to Lower Palaeolithic times. The region has undergone significant changes in its environmental conditions over the course of its history, including shifts in climate and vegetation cover, and human activities have played a significant role in these changes. The population of the Thar Desert relies mainly on pastoralism for its sustenance, and has adapted to the challenging environment through the development of pastoralism, transhumance, and water harvesting practices. Despite these adaptations, the region's environment has been degraded over time due to factors such as overgrazing and deforestation, and efforts to sustainably manage the region's resources and preserve its environment are ongoing.