Cholistan Desert (locally
known as Rohi) sprawls thirty kilometers from Bahawalpur and covers an area
of
26,300 km². It adjoins the
Thar Desert extending over to Sindh and into India. The Tharparkar District is
one of the major parts of the Thar desert region. Tharparkar consists of two
words: Thar means ‘desert’ while Parkar stands for ‘the other side’. Years
back, it was known as Thar and Parkar but subsequently became just one word
‘Tharparkar’ for the two distinct parts of Sindh. On the western side, Parkar
is the irrigated area whereas Thar, the eastern part, is known as the largest
desert of
Pakistan. Rainfall in the area is very low, from 0-250mm per year,
all falling between July and September, and the climate is harsh with
temperatures ranging from near freezing up to 50°C.
The word Cholistan is derived from the Turkish
word Chol, which means Desert. Cholistan thus means Land of the Desert. The
people of Cholistan lead a semi-nomadic life, moving from one place to another
in search of water and fodder for their animals. The common language spoken is
Saraiki (Indo-Aryan language). The locals are skilled in arts and crafts. They
engage in leather works, jewelry, pottery and much more.
The dry bed of the Hakra River runs through the
area, along which many settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization have been
found. The Desert also has an Annual Jeep Rally, known as Cholistan Desert Jeep
Rally. It is the biggest motor sports event in Pakistan.
Wildlife
Camels, Hog deer, ravine deer, black buck (rare deer) and blue bull are common. Fox,
jackals, hares, porcupines, mongoose, arks, owls and hawks are also found. Wild
boars are found in large numbers in the forest areas.
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