Northern Plains Of India

The Northern Plains of India are one of the most important physiographic divisions of the country.

They are also known as the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plains.

These plains have been formed mainly by the depositional work of three major river systems:

• Indus
• Ganga
• Brahmaputra

Upper Peninsular rivers have also contributed to the formation of these plains, but only to a small extent.

Formation Of Northern Plains

The Northern Plains were formed over millions of years through river deposition.

The rivers coming from the Himalayas brought huge amounts of sediments such as sand, silt, clay, and gravel.

These sediments were deposited in the low-lying foreland basin between the Himalayas and the Peninsular Plateau.

Over time, this continuous deposition created a vast, flat, and fertile alluvial plain.

Why Are They Called Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plains?

These plains are called Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plains because they are mainly formed by the three major river systems:

• Indus system in the north-west.
• Ganga system in the central part.
• Brahmaputra system in the east.

Together, these river systems have created one of the largest and most fertile alluvial plains in the world.

Largest Alluvial Tract In The World

The Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain is the largest alluvial tract of the world.

It stretches for about 3,200 Km from the mouth of the Indus to the mouth of the Ganga.

The large extent, flat surface, and deep alluvial deposits make it one of the most agriculturally productive regions of India.

Boundaries Of Northern Plains

The Northern Plains are bounded by different physical features.

• Northern boundary – Shiwalik hills.
• Southern boundary – Wavy and irregular line along the northern edge of Peninsular India.
• Western boundary – Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges of Pakistan.
• Eastern boundary – Purvanchal hills of North-East India.

These boundaries show that the Northern Plains form a long arcuate, or curved, belt between the Himalayas and the Peninsular Plateau.

Extent And Width

The Northern Plains extend for about 3,200 Km.

Their width varies from region to region.

The average width is between 150 Km and 300 Km.

The plains are wider in some regions and narrower in others depending on the shape of the Himalayan foothills, river systems, and the edge of the Peninsular Plateau.

Depth Of Alluvial Deposits

The thickness of alluvial deposits also varies from place to place.

The maximum depth of alluvial deposits ranges between 1,000 metres and 2,000 metres.

The alluvial fans of the Kosi River in the north and the Son River in the south show greater alluvial thickness.

Intra-cone areas have comparatively shallower deposits.

Chief Characteristic Of The Northern Plains

The most important characteristic of the Northern Plains is their extreme horizontality.

This means the plains are very flat and level over a large area.

Because of this flatness, rivers flow slowly, form meanders, and deposit fertile alluvium.

Geomorphological Divisions Of Northern Plains

From north to south, the Northern Plains are divided into three major zones:

• Bhabar
• Terai
• Alluvial Plains

The alluvial plains are further divided into:

• Bhangar
• Khadar

So, for exam purposes, the four important geomorphological belts are:

• Bhabar
• Terai
• Bhangar
• Khadar

Bhabar

The Bhabar is the northernmost belt of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

It lies along the foothills of the Shiwaliks.

It is a narrow and porous belt.

Width And Location

The Bhabar belt is about 8 to 10 Km wide.

It runs in an east-west direction along the foothills of the Shiwaliks.

It shows remarkable continuity from the Indus to the Tista.

Formation Of Bhabar

Rivers descending from the Himalayas carry large amounts of sediments.

When these rivers reach the foothills, they deposit heavy materials such as pebbles, gravel, and rock debris.

These deposits form alluvial fans.

Many such alluvial fans merge together and form the Bhabar belt.

Porosity Of Bhabar

The most unique feature of Bhabar is its porosity.

This porosity is caused by the deposition of large numbers of pebbles and rock debris.

Because the deposits are coarse and porous, streams disappear after entering the Bhabar region.

This is why the area is marked by dry river courses except during the rainy season.

Agriculture In Bhabar

The Bhabar region is generally not suitable for agriculture.

The soil is porous, water drains quickly, and surface water is not easily available.

Only large trees with deep roots can grow well in this belt.

Important Features Of Bhabar

• Northernmost belt of the Northern Plains.
• Located along the foothills of Shiwaliks.
• About 8 to 10 Km wide.
• Made of pebbles, gravel, and rock debris.
• Highly porous.
• Streams disappear in this region.
• Dry river courses are common except in rainy season.
• Not suitable for agriculture.
• Big trees with deep roots grow here.

Terai

The Terai lies to the south of the Bhabar belt.

It is an ill-drained, damp, marshy, and thickly forested region.

Width And Location

The Terai is about 10 to 20 Km wide.

It runs parallel to the Bhabar belt.

Formation Of Terai

In the Bhabar region, streams disappear underground because of the porous surface.

These underground streams re-emerge in the Terai belt.

As a result, the Terai becomes wet, marshy, and poorly drained.

Terai In Eastern And Western India

The Terai is more marked in the eastern part than in the western part.

This is because the eastern parts receive comparatively higher rainfall.

Higher rainfall, poor drainage, and re-emerging streams make the eastern Terai more marshy and forested.

Vegetation And Wildlife

The Terai supports rich natural vegetation.

It also houses a variety of wildlife.

Because of its wet and forested character, it is ecologically important.

Important Features Of Terai

• Lies south of Bhabar.
• About 10 to 20 Km wide.
• Damp, marshy, and ill-drained.
• Underground streams of Bhabar re-emerge here.
• More developed in the eastern part.
• Supports natural vegetation.
• Rich in wildlife.

Bhangar

The Bhangar is the older alluvium of the Northern Plains.

It is found along river beds but forms terraces higher than the flood plains.

Main Features Of Bhangar

Bhangar areas are not flooded every year.

They are made of older deposits.

The soil in this region often contains calcareous deposits known as Kankar.

Kankar In Bhangar

Kankar refers to calcareous concentrations found in older alluvial deposits.

This is an important exam term.

The presence of Kankar helps distinguish Bhangar from Khadar.

Important Features Of Bhangar

• Older alluvium.
• Found above the flood plain level.
• Forms river terraces.
• Less frequently flooded.
• Contains calcareous deposits called Kankar.

Khadar

The Khadar is the newer alluvium of the Northern Plains.

It forms the flood plains along river banks.

Formation Of Khadar

Every year, river floods deposit a new layer of alluvium in the Khadar region.

This fresh deposition makes Khadar highly fertile.

Fertility Of Khadar

Khadar is among the most fertile soils of the Ganga plains.

Because it receives new alluvial deposits almost every year, it is excellent for agriculture.

Important Features Of Khadar

• Newer alluvium.
• Found in flood plains along river banks.
• Renewed almost every year by flood deposits.
• Very fertile.
• Important for agriculture.
• Especially significant in the Ganga plains.

Bhabar Vs Terai

Basis	Bhabar	Terai
Location	Along Shiwalik foothills	South of Bhabar
Width	8 to 10 Km	10 to 20 Km
Nature	Porous and dry	Marshy and damp
Drainage	Streams disappear	Streams re-emerge
Agriculture	Not suitable	More suitable after clearing
Vegetation	Large trees with deep roots	Thick forests and wildlife
Water condition	Water goes underground	Water comes back to surface

Bhangar Vs Khadar

Basis	Bhangar	Khadar
Type of alluvium	Older alluvium	Newer alluvium
Location	Higher terraces	Flood plains
Flooding	Not flooded regularly	Flooded almost every year
Fertility	Comparatively less fertile	Very fertile
Special feature	Contains Kankar	Fresh alluvial deposits
Agricultural value	Moderate	Very high

River Landforms In Northern Plains

The Northern Plains show features of mature fluvial erosion and deposition.

Important landforms include:

• Sand bars
• Meanders
• Ox-bow lakes
• Braided channels

Sand Bars

Sand bars are deposits of sand found within river channels or along river banks.

They are formed when the river loses energy and deposits sediments.

Meanders

Meanders are winding curves formed by rivers flowing over flat plains.

Since the Northern Plains are very flat, rivers often develop large bends.

Ox-Bow Lakes

Ox-bow lakes are formed when a meander loop gets cut off from the main river channel.

They are common in flat alluvial plains.

Braided Channels

Braided channels are formed when a river splits into several smaller channels separated by sand bars or islands.

These are common where rivers carry heavy sediment loads.

Importance Of Northern Plains

The Northern Plains are one of India’s most important regions.

They support a large population and intensive agriculture.

Why Northern Plains Are Important

• They are made of fertile alluvial soil.
• They support major crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses.
• They have a dense network of rivers.
• They provide level land for transport and settlement.
• They support some of India’s most densely populated regions.
• They contain many large cities and towns.
• They form the food bowl of India.

Agricultural Importance

The Northern Plains are highly suitable for agriculture because:

• Soils are fertile.
• Rivers provide water.
• The surface is flat.
• Alluvium is renewed in flood plains.
• Irrigation is easier compared to mountainous or plateau regions.

The Khadar belt is especially important because it receives fresh deposits of alluvium.

Settlement And Transport

The flat surface of the Northern Plains makes construction of roads, railways, canals, and settlements easier.

This is one major reason why the region supports dense population and large urban centres.

Exam Importance Of Northern Plains

For exams, the most important topics from this part are:

• Formation by Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra systems.
• Largest alluvial tract of the world.
• Length of about 3,200 Km.
• Average width of 150 to 300 Km.
• Alluvium depth of 1,000 to 2,000 metres.
• Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar, and Khadar.
• Bhabar streams disappear.
• Terai streams re-emerge.
• Bhangar contains Kankar.
• Khadar is newer and highly fertile.

Important Facts At A Glance

Topic	Fact
Also called	Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain
Formed mainly by	Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers
Type of plain	Alluvial plain
Global importance	Largest alluvial tract of the world
Length	About 3,200 Km
Average width	150 to 300 Km
Alluvium depth	1,000 to 2,000 metres
Northern boundary	Shiwaliks
Southern boundary	Northern edge of Peninsular India
Western boundary	Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges
Eastern boundary	Purvanchal hills
Main characteristic	Extreme horizontality
Northernmost belt	Bhabar
Marshy belt	Terai
Older alluvium	Bhangar
Newer alluvium	Khadar
Calcareous deposits	Kankar
Most fertile belt	Khadar

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