Cholistan Desert - Bahawalpur
The Cholistan Desert, which is nicknamed 'Rohi' by the locals, is located near the districts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan near Southern Punjab Pakistan, and extends to an area of 25,800 km². It is an immense desert itself. However, it forms a part of the even Greater, Thar Desert, which extends to Sindh, and the Indian State, Rajasthan. The word chol is derived from the Turkic language, meaning 'sand,' and meaning 'land of,' which is a Persian suffix.
Cholistan wasn't always a desert but a fertile region fed by the meltwater from the Himalayas. Dating back as early as 4000 B.C, Cholistan has a high density of ancient artifacts from the era of the Indus Valley Civilization until later when it became a Marketplace for Caravan Trade, which led to the construction of numerous forts to protect trade routes in the medieval period, the best example of which and still preserved is the Derawar Fort. The livelihood of the natives typically depends on animal rearing, and Camels are most prized in the region. They're used for meat, milk, transportation, and entertainment, with Camel racing being regular in most parts. However, Cotton and Wool products along with textiles are considered superior.
In many ways, Cholistan has kept many cultures and traditions of the region for the past many years, and will hopefully carry on this heritage.