At the time of the Last Glacial Maximum, the Tibetan Plateau was under ice, affecting regional climate and expanding the Thar Desert.
River and Desert
River and Desert
10,000 years ago, the Ghaggar-Hakra River, identified with the ancient Sarasvati, altered its course, transforming the region into barren lands.
Civilizational Impacts
Civilizational Impacts
As monsoons weakened 5,000 years ago, the flourishing Indus Valley civilization faced challenges with the changing river dynamics.
Mythological Connections
Mythological Connections
According to the Ramayana, Lord Ram's divine intervention to cross to Lanka led to the creation of the Thar Desert with a stroke of his weapon.
Blessing the Barren
Blessing the Barren
Despite its aridity, the Thar Desert was blessed by Lord Ram to support cattle, clarified butter production, and the growth of resilient plants like neem and khejri.