Chapter -4

The Western Desert

Back exercise question

Question 1: Describe the climate of the Thar Desert.

Answer: The Thar Desert experiences hot and dry climate throughout the year. There is very little or no rainfall. During summer, the days are very hot and nights are cool. In winter the days are warm and nights are very cold.

Question 2: Why do villages in the desert region grow up around oasis?

Answer: Oasis have water and fertile land suitable for farming. Hence, villages in the desert region grow up around oasis.

Question 3: Why is Indira Gandhi canal important for the people of the region?

Answer: The Indira Gandhi canal is important for the people of the region because it carries water from River satluj to the Thar Desert for domestic use and irrigation.

Question 4: Who are the Banjaras?

Answer: The banjaras are people who travel from one place to another in search of food for themselves and their animals.

Question 5: Why do houses in Rajasthan have thick walls?

Answer: The houses in Rajasthan have thick walls to keep the heat out so that the houses remain cool.

Think and answer

Question: Why is rice not grown in this region?

Answer: Rice plants require plenty of water to grow. Water is scarce in the desert. Thus, rice is not grown in this region.