Rajasthan

• 06 Mar 2025

Varun Sagar

Why in News? 

Rajasthan Assembly Speaker changed the name of the famous Foy Sagar Lake in Ajmer to 'Varun Sagar'.   

Key Points  

• About the issue:  
  • According to the speaker the name of Faisagar in Ajmer was a symbol of slavery. This lake was built by the people of Ajmer and religious and social faith of all communities including Sindhis is attached to it. 
  • Lord Varun has been revered by all communities, including the Sindhi community. Therefore, this lake will now be known as "Varun Sagar." 
• About the lake:  
  • This lake is an artificial lake located in Ajmer district. 
  • This lake was constructed in the year 1891-1892 under the direction of  Foy , an English engineer of the British Raj, as part of the flood and famine relief project. 
  • This is the second famine relief lake of Rajasthan, first being Rajsamand Lake. 

 Rajsamand Lake  

• About: 
  • It is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. It was built in the 17th century by Maharana Raj Singh.  
  • The lake is also known as Rajsamudra Lake.  
• Construction: 
  • Construction of the lake began in 1662 and was completed in 1676.  
  • It was the oldest famine relief work in Rajasthan.  
  • The lake was built across the Gomati, Kelwa, and Tali rivers.  
  • It has a catchment area of about 196 square miles.  
• Features: 
  • The lake is 4 miles long, 1.7 miles wide, and 60 feet deep.  
  • The white marble embankment at the southern end is called Nauchowki.  
  • The Ghats, or stone steps leading to the lake, have inscriptions about the history of Mewar.  
  • The Raj-Prashasti viewpoint atop the dam has the world's longest and largest stone inscription in Sanskrit. 

Udaya Gold Cup Football Tournament

Why in News? 

The 4th state level Uday Gold Cup Football Tournament is being organized in Bikaner from 1 March to 7 March 2025 . 

 Key Points  

• About the tournament: 
  • The tournament is being organised by Master Udaya Club at Pushkarna Stadium under floodlights. 
  • A total of 11 matches will be played in this tournament. 
  • So far 12 teams have entered this tournament.  
    • These include two teams each from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur and one team each from Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Kota, Ajmer, Nagaur and Karauli. 

 Bikaner  

• About: 
  • Bikaner was founded in 1488 AD by  Rathore prince Rao Bikaji . 
  • Located at latitude 28.01°N and longitude 73.9°E. 
• Geographical Feature : 
  • Desert district located in north-eastern Rajasthan.  
  • There is no river in Bikaner. 
• Scenic Spots: 
  • Karni Mata Temple : Famous as the Temple of Rats. 
  • Mukam Temple : The main religious place of the Bishnoi sect. 
  • Junagarh Fort : One of the most beautiful forts in Rajasthan. 
  • Bhandshah Jain Temple : Ancient Jain temple located within the city wall. 
  • Lunkaransar - Salt water lake. 
  • Gajner Sanctuary - Famous for Butbat (Imperial Sandgoose, Sand Partridge) bird and wild boar. 
• Civilizations:  
  • Sothi, Poongal, Dadhatora ancient civilizations are in Bikaner. 
• Camel Research Centre: 
  • The world's largest camel research and breeding centre is in Bikaner (1984). 
  • Camel festival is organised in Bikaner every year in January .