Barmer district is a district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located in the western part of the state of Rajasthan and is part of the Thar Desert. Barmer is the third largest district in terms of area in Rajasthan and the fifth largest district in India. With an area of 28,387 km2. Being situated in the western part of the state, it includes part of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer lies to the north of this district, while Jalore lies to the south. Pali and Jodhpur form the eastern border and share a border with Pakistan in the west. This district is partly desert and has a wide temperature variation. Temperatures can reach 51°C in summer and drop to almost 0°C in winter. Luni is the longest river in Barmer district. After covering a distance of almost 500 km, the route passes through Jalore and enters the marshy lands of Runn of Kutch. The district headquarters is located in the city of Barmer. The other major towns in the district are: Balotra, Guda Malani, Baytoo, Siwana and Chohatan. Recently, a large onshore oil field was discovered and brought into operation in Barmer district. Barmer is also famous for its pomegranate.
Previously, the district was known as Malani, in the name of Rawal Mallinath Rathore (मल्लिनाथ). Rawal Mallinath was the son of Rao Salkha and Rawal Mallinath is a cultural, philanthropic and religious icon in Barmer. The local people worship him as God. The entire area around the Luni River is said to have Malani (मलानी), derived from the name Mallinath. The present name Barmer is derived from its founder, the ruler Bahada Rao or Bar Rao Parmar (Juna Barmer). It was called Bahadamer ("The Bahada Hillfort"). He built a small village currently known as "Juna", 25 km from the present town of Barmer. After Parmer, Rawat Luka, grandson of Rawal Mallinath, established his kingdom at Juna Barmer with the help of his brother Rawal Mandalak. They defeated Parmers of Juna and made it their capital. Later, his descendant, Rawat Bhima, who was a great warrior, founded the present city of Barmer in 1552 AD. and moved his capital from Juna to Barmer.
