Baran (बारां) is a district in southeastern Rajasthan, India, in the Hadoti region. Its headquarters is Baran town, and it borders Madhya Pradesh. The district is known for its farming landscapes, forested areas, historic forts and religious sites.
Hindi and Hadoti are widely spoken, while fairs and festivals reflect regional traditions. The Sahariya tribal community has a significant presence, particularly around Shahabad and Kishanganj. Agriculture supports much of the economy, with soybean, wheat and mustard among the crops grown. Local trade and agricultural processing also provide livelihoods. Notable places include Shahabad Fort, Shergarh Fort and the temples at Bhand Deora near Ramgarh.
Common civic concerns include reliable drinking water, irrigation, road maintenance and access to healthcare and schools, especially in remote settlements. Residents also care about farm incomes, employment and public services. Nutrition, tribal welfare, forest conservation and balancing tourism with heritage protection are important district-level issues.