The Northern Plains of India

The Northern Plains of India are one of the most fertile and extensive landforms in the country. These plains stretch across northern and eastern India, providing a vast agricultural base and sustaining a large population. Formed by the deposition of sediments brought by rivers such as the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, these plains are crucial for India's economy, agriculture, and civilization.

Introduction to Northern Plains

The Northern Plains are alluvial plains, meaning they have been formed by sediment deposition over millions of years. They extend from Punjab in the west to Assam in the east, covering states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

Geographical Extent:

1. West to East: Punjab to Assam
2. North to South: Himalayan foothills to the Peninsular Plateau
3. Length: Around 2,400 km
4. Width: 150–300 km
5. Area Covered: Approximately 7 lakh sq. km

2. Formation of the Northern Plains

The Northern Plains were formed by the deposition of silt, sand, and clay brought by three major river systems:

1. Indus River System (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej)
2. Ganga River System (Ganga and its tributaries such as Yamuna, Ghagra, Gandak, and Kosi)
3. Brahmaputra River System

These rivers originate from the Himalayas and carry eroded sediments, which get deposited in the plains, making the soil very fertile.

3. Divisions of the Northern Plains

The Northern Plains are divided into different sections based on geography and river basins:

(A) Based on River Basins

1. Punjab Plains:
2. Located in Punjab and Haryana
3. Formed by the Indus River system
4. Characterized by doabs (land between two rivers)
5. Ganga Plains:
6. Spread across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal
7. Formed by the Ganga and its tributaries
8. Highly fertile region, known as "Granary of India"
9. Brahmaputra Plains:
10. Found in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
11. Formed by the Brahmaputra River
12. Prone to floods due to heavy rainfall and river meandering

(B) Based on Topography

1. Bhabar Region:
2. Lies next to the Himalayan foothills
3. Made up of coarse gravel and pebbles
4. Rivers disappear underground due to high porosity
5. Terai Region:
6. Located south of the Bhabar belt
7. Marshy and swampy area, suitable for agriculture
8. Rivers re-emerge here, leading to dense forests
9. Bhangar Region:
10. Old alluvial soil, found above floodplains
11. Contains calcareous nodules (kankar), making it less fertile
12. Khadar Region:
13. New alluvial deposits, found near riverbanks
14. Extremely fertile and suitable for intensive agriculture

4. Significance of Northern Plains

(A) Agricultural Importance

1. Highly Fertile Soil: Rich alluvial soil supports crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, pulses, and oilseeds.
2. Irrigation Facilities: Many canals, wells, and tube wells are used for irrigation.
3. High Crop Productivity: These plains contribute significantly to India's food security.

(B) Economic Importance

1. Densely Populated Region: Major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknow are located in this region.
2. Industrial Growth: Industries based on agriculture, such as sugar, textile, and jute, thrive here.
3. Transport Network: Well-connected by railways, highways, and inland waterways, boosting trade.

(C) Cultural and Historical Importance

1. Cradle of Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilization and the early kingdoms of India flourished here.
2. Pilgrimage Centers: Cities like Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Haridwar hold religious significance.