Northern Plains - Classification and Significant Features

The northern plains are made of soil carried by the rivers Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. This flat land is about 2400 kilometres long and 240 to 320 kilometres wide. Many people live here, and it's a great place for farming because the soil is rich, there's enough water, and the weather is good for crops.

• The northern plain is created by the coming together of three major rivers—Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra—and their smaller rivers.
  These plains are usually 150 to 300 kilometres wide. The soil deposits, called alluvium, can be found as deep as 1000 to 2000 metres. 
• These plains are divided from the Shivalik hills in the south by the Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF). 
• The southern edge follows a wavy line along the northern part of Peninsular India. 
• On the eastern side, the Purvanchal hills border these plains.

NORTHERN PLAINS OF INDIA

Punjab Plains

• The Punjab plains are in the northwest part of the northern plain. 
• The Delhi-Aravalli ridge separates it from the Ganga plains to the east. 
• These plains are shaped by the Indus and its tributaries like Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. 
• A significant part of these plains is in Pakistan. 
• The region is divided into many Doabs, which means the land between the confluence of two rivers.

Punjab Doabs

• Sindh Sagar Doab: Between the Indus and Jehlum rivers.
• Jech Doab: Between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers (also called Chaj Doab).
• Rechna Doab: Between the Chenab and Ravi rivers.
• Bari Doab: Between the Ravi and Beas rivers.
• Bist Doab: Between the Beas and Sutlej rivers (or Doaba).

Ganga Plains

• The Ganga plains extend from the Yamuna catchment in the west to the Bangladesh border in the east. 
• The lower Ganga plain was formed by the sinking of a part of Peninsular India, followed by sedimentation from the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. 
• This area is prone to flooding as rivers frequently change their courses. The Kosi River, known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar,' is notorious for this.
• The Ganga plains cover northern states like Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, part of Jharkhand, and West Bengal. 
• The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is the largest in the world. 
• The Sunderbans, tidal forests, are a significant part of this coastal delta. 
• Various topographical features like Bhabar, Tarai, Bhangar, Khadar, levees, abandoned courses characterise these plains.

The land in the northern plains can be divided into three types from north to south:

Bhabar: 

This thin strip runs along the Shivalik foothills for about 8-10 kilometres. It's full of rocks and boulders deposited by rivers, making it unsuitable for farming. Only giant trees with deep roots grow here.

Tarai: 

South of Bhabar, Tarai is about 10-20 kilometres wide. Many rivers re-emerge here without proper channels, creating marshy and swampy areas. This region is lush with natural vegetation and home to diverse wildlife.

Alluvial Plains: Further south, these plains are divided into two parts:

Khadar: Old alluvial deposits.

Bhangar: Modern alluvial deposits. These plains have features like sandbars, meanders, oxbow lakes, and braided channels. Brahmaputra plains are known for riverine islands and sandbars.

Sunderbans Delta

• At the mouths of mighty rivers in the Northern Plains, large deltas form, like the famous Sunderbans delta. 
• The Sunderbans, the world's largest mangrove swamp, is home to the Royal Tiger and crocodiles. 
• As you approach the coast, the forest turns into a low-lying mangrove swamp surrounded by sand dunes and mudflats.

Regional Plains

Rohilkhand Plain: A low-lying alluvial region between the Ganga River and Avadh Plain in northwestern UP. It was called Madhyadesh in the Mahabharata and was named after the Rohilla tribe.

Awadh Plain: In the central part of Uttar Pradesh, it was known as the granary of India. Famous cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Rae Bareilly, and Faizabad are here.

Rarh Plain: Located between the Chota Nagpur Plateau and the main flow of the Ganges River, it's known for industrialization and was prone to floods.

Chhattisgarh Plain: Known as the "Rice Bowl of India," this region between the Maikala Range and Odisha hills has contributed to India's development with abundant coal, iron ore, bauxite, and more. Cities like Bhilai, Bilaspur, and Raipur are significant.

Significance of the Northern Plains

• Fertile soil, abundant rivers, and a pleasant climate make it ideal for living.
• A long growing season benefits agriculture.
• High population density aids industrial development.
• Multi-purpose dams provide irrigation and energy.
• Navigable rivers promote trade and commerce.

FAQs - Northern Plains of India

1. What makes the northern plains of India significant?

Ans. The northern plains are significant due to their fertile soil, abundant rivers, and favorable climate. These factors make it an ideal place for living, agriculture, and industrial development.

2. How were the northern plains formed?

Ans. The northern plains were formed by the deposition of soil carried by the rivers Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. The interaction of these rivers and their tributaries shaped this flat land, stretching about 2400 kilometres long and 240 to 320 kilometres wide.

3. What are the main rivers contributing to the northern plains?

Ans. The major rivers contributing to the formation of the northern plains are Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, along with their smaller rivers.

4. What is the width of the northern plains, and how populated is the region?

The northern plains are typically 150 to 300 kilometres wide, and it is densely populated. Many people inhabit this region due to its favourable conditions.

5. How deep can the soil deposits (alluvium) be found in the northern plains?

Ans. The alluvium deposits in the northern plains can be found as deep as 1000 to 2000 metres.

6. What geological feature separates the northern plains from the Shivalik hills in the south?

Ans. The Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF) separates the northern plains from the Shivalik hills in the south.

7. Which hills border the northern plains on the eastern side?

Ans. The Purvanchal hills border the northern plains on the eastern side.

8. Tell us about the Punjab Plains in the northern region.

Ans. The Punjab plains, located in the northwest corner of the northern plains, are shaped by the Indus and its tributaries, including Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. These plains are divided into several Doabs, regions between the confluence of two rivers.

9. What are the Ganga Plains, and which states do they cover?

Ans. The Ganga Plains extend from the Yamuna catchment in the west to the Bangladesh border in the east. They cover northern states like Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, part of Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

10. What are the different types of land in the northern plains from north to south?

Ans. The northern plains are divided into Bhabar, Tarai, and Alluvial Plains, further categorised into Khadar and Bhangar.

11. What is the significance of the Sundarbans Delta in the northern plains?

Ans. The Sunderbans Delta, formed at the mouths of mighty rivers, is the world's largest mangrove swamp. It is home to the Royal Tiger and crocodiles.

12. Can you elaborate on the significance of the Northern Plains for agriculture and industry?

Ans. The fertile soil, ample water supply, and favourable climate in the northern plains make it ideal for agriculture. The high population density also aids in industrial development. Multi-purpose dams provide irrigation and energy.