The Thar Desert lies mostly in which Indian state?

The Thar Desert lies mostly in Rajasthan, India. Also called the Great Indian Desert, it stretches across northwestern India and southeastern Pakistan, but the largest share of its Indian section is in Rajasthan.

The desert covers roughly 200,000–260,000 square kilometres, depending on how its boundaries are defined. About two-thirds lies in India, while the rest extends into Pakistan’s Sindh and Punjab regions. Within India, smaller portions reach Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab, which can cause confusion in multiple-choice questions.

Rajasthan’s western districts—including Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur—contain the desert’s most recognisable sand dunes and arid landscapes. The Aravalli Range forms part of its eastern boundary, while the Luni is the region’s only major river system. Rainfall is low and highly irregular, arriving mainly with the southwest monsoon.

Despite its harsh climate, the Thar is one of the world’s most heavily populated deserts. Communities rely on livestock, farming supported by stored or canal water, handicrafts and tourism. The desert is also habitat for the critically endangered great Indian bustard.