ABSTRACT
In Medieval times the terms 'Rajasthan' were employed to indicate the headquarters of the royal seat of the Rajput rulers. Rajasthan, situated in the north-western part of India between 23°3'N and 30°12'N latitudes and 69°30'E and 78°17'E longitudes covers an areas of about 342,274 sq. km. Geographically, Rajasthan is divided into different parts, such as plains and hilly region. The western part of Rajasthan, particularly Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Barmer is marked by sand dunes. The western arid and semi-arid part of the state is important for its livestock production. The role of the settlement pattern is extremely important for the growth of the urban centres. The settlement is influenced by multiple factors such as environmental, availability of water, trade routes, religious and pilgrim centres and seat of royalty. During eighteenth-nineteenth century, both food as well as cash crops raised wheat, jowar, barley; pulses, like moong, moth, urd; oil seeds like til, sarso; and cash crops namely, cotton and opium.
