SAMBHAR SALT LAKE

ephemeral salt lake, the largest lake in India, situated in east-central Rajasthan state, west of Jaipur. About 90 square miles (230 square km) in area, it represents a depression of the Aravalli Range. The soluble sodium compounds stored in the lake's underlying silt have accumulated by the evaporation of water brought down by annual river flooding. Salt sheets, which from a distance resemble snow, often cover the lake's bed, which is usually dry in the hot months. The lake is traditionally said to have been created in the 6th century by Sakambari, a form of Durga and the consort of Siva (one of the three supreme gods of Hinduism). Its salt supply was worked by the Mughal dynasty (15261857); it was later owned jointly by the Jaipur and Jodhpur princely states. Salt-evaporation pans and refining works are located on the lake's eastern shore.