Northern Plains UPSC Notes, Division, Map, Formation, Importance

Northern Plains of India are among the most significant physiographic regions in the country, lying between the Himalayas in the north and the Peninsular Plateau in the south. Stretching over 2,400 km from the Punjab plains in the west to the Brahmaputra valley in the east, these plains cover an area of over 7 lakh square kilometres and account for nearly 43% of India’s land surface. Formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems, the plains are not only agriculturally rich but also one of the most densely populated regions in India.

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Northern Plains of India

The Northern Plains of India are an extensive and fertile alluvial stretch lying south of the Himalayas and north of the Peninsular Plateau. Formed by the deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers, these plains are known for their flat topography, rich soil, and dense population. Spanning across multiple Indian states, the Northern Plains serve as the agricultural and cultural heartland of the country.

Formation of the Northern Plains

The formation of the Northern Plains UPSC topic is essential in physical geography. These plains were shaped over millions of years through the deposition of sediments carried by the Himalayan rivers. Before the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, rivers flowed into the Tethys Sea, leaving vast amounts of sediments in the Tethys Geosyncline. After the rise of the Himalayas, these rivers began depositing newer sediments, forming a thick alluvial layer, sometimes reaching depths of 2,000 to 3,000 meters.

This extensive alluvial formation gives rise to a level, monotonous plain with slight elevation differences and is characterised by fertile soil, making it ideal for agriculture.

Northern Plains Division

The Northern Plains Division refers to the diverse physiographic and depositional features that define the vast alluvial tract stretching across northern India. This division is not only significant from a geographical perspective but also holds immense relevance for agriculture, settlement patterns, and resource management. It is particularly important in Northern Plains UPSC notes as it helps in understanding the hydrological behaviour, soil composition, and land use distribution of the region.

The Northern Plains can be broadly divided into the following five subdivisions based on the type of alluvial deposits and the action of the rivers:

Northern Plains Map & Regional Subdivisions

The Northern Plains Map is broadly classified based on river basins and physical characteristics:

1. Punjab and Haryana Plains

Formed by the Satluj, Beas, and Ravi rivers, this part of the Northern Plains is known for Doabs—tracts of land between two rivers. The region is agriculturally advanced and extensively irrigated through canals and tubewells.

2. Ganga Plains

These extend from Yamuna in the west to West Bengal in the east. This is the largest section of the Northern Plains, encompassing states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of West Bengal.

The plains include features like levees, oxbow lakes, meanders, and floodplains. Frequent floods occur due to rivers like the Kosi, known as the “Sorrow of Bihar.”

3. Brahmaputra Plains

Lying mainly in Assam, these plains are characterised by riverine islands and sandbars, owing to the braided nature of the Brahmaputra River. This part of the plains is prone to flooding and supports rich biodiversity.

4. Deltaic Plains (Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta)

The Sundarbans, located in West Bengal, form the largest delta in the world. These are swampy lowlands rich in mangrove vegetation and serve as a habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Source: EduRev

Regional Variations

Apart from major divisions, there are notable plains like:

• Rohilkhand Plain (U.P. and Uttarakhand): Fertile and agriculturally rich.
• Awadh Plain (U.P. and Bihar): Historical and cultural center with intensive cultivation.
• Rarh Plain (West Bengal): Lies between the Ganges and Chota Nagpur Plateau, rich in old alluvium.
• Chhattisgarh Plain: Saucer-shaped basin known as the “Rice Bowl of India” and rich in minerals.

Rivers of the Northern Plains

The Northern Plains UPSC syllabus emphasises the role of river systems:

• Indus: Originates in Tibet, flows through Punjab and Pakistan.
• Ganga: From the Gangotri glacier, flows across the heartland of India.
• Brahmaputra: From Tibet’s Angsi glacier, flows through Assam and into Bangladesh.

Their tributaries, like Yamuna, Ghaghara, Kosi, Son, and Chambal, contribute to the fertility and flooding cycles that shape the plains.

Significance and Importance of the Northern Plains

The Northern Plains play a key role in shaping India’s agricultural economy, water resource management, and demographic settlement patterns. Their geographical features and river systems offer fertility, connectivity, and cultural richness. Here's a detailed look:

1. Agricultural Backbone

Due to alluvial soil, year-round water supply, and a favourable climate, these plains support the highest agricultural productivity in India. Major crops include wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, and jute.

2. Population Density

Being extremely fertile, the Northern Plains have attracted dense populations over the centuries. Urban centers like Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Kolkata, and Kanpur flourish here.

3. Cultural and Historical Significance

Ancient civilisations like Harappa and Vedic culture grew here. The plains are home to sacred rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, contributing to religious, literary, and artistic heritage.

4. Transportation and Infrastructure

Due to flat terrain, the Northern Plains map showcases extensive roadways, railways, and canals. It is the hub of India’s transport and logistics network.

5. Economic Activities

Beyond farming, the plains support industries, mining (in regions like Chhattisgarh), and trade, making them a crucial economic zone.

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Agriculture and Economy in Northern Plains

Farming dominates the plains. The Northern Plains of India are rightly called the “Breadbasket of India.” Key crops include:

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