Why does southeastern Rajasthan receive more rain than the western desert?

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Southeastern Rajasthan receives significantly more rainfall than the western desert primarily due to its geographic position in relation to the monsoon winds. While the western desert receives very little rain—averaging about 4 inches (100 mm) annually—the southeast can receive nearly 20 inches (500 mm) because it benefits from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches of the southwest monsoon.1

Additionally, the Aravalli Range plays a critical role in shaping the state's climate. The range acts as a barrier that influences the movement of these monsoon winds, effectively checking the growth of the Thar desert to its west and directing moisture-laden air patterns across the region.23