India is a large country with geographical diversities. Due to these diversities, physio – graphic differences in land, air and temperature are seen here at a large scale.
On the basis of these differences, India can be divided into the following physio – graphic regions:
1. Northern Mountainous Regions
2. Great plains of India
3. Thar Desert
4. Southern Plateau (Deccan Plateau)
5. Coastal region
6. Islands.
Description of Great Plains of India: This region is located between the great Himalayan mountain regions and the peninsular plateau of India. It also known as the Sutlej – Ganges – Brahmaputra plains.
The Origin of the Great Plains: This great plain was formed by the deposited sediment brought down by the rivers Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra and their tributaries.
The Expansion of Great Plain: This fertile plain is spread in the states of Punjab, Haryana, North – East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, in India. The length of this arch – shaped fertile plain is 2400 km and its width is 150 to 480 km and it covers an area of 7 lakh square km.
The Geographical Classification of Great Plain: Although this plain is generally relief less, yet it is classified with geographical view point into four regions:
1. Bhabar region: It is the region south of the Lower Himalayas and the Shivalik Hills. It is an alluvial span of sediments washed down from the Shivaliks along the northern edge of the Indian Gangetic Plain. Most of the rivers found in region are underground.
2. Terai region: It lies to the south of the Bhabar and runs parallel to it. It is 15 to 30 km wide. It is composed of comparitively finer alluvium, and is covered by forests. The underground streams of the Bhabar re – emerge on the surface and give birth to marshy area. Most parts of Terai area are reclaimed for agriculture.
3. Bhangar region: It is the largest part of the northern plains. It is made up of alluvial soil. The soil in this region is not renewed frequently, it is old alluvial soil. It is not very fertile. It contains calcareous deposits locally known as Kankar.
4. Khadar: It is made up of new alluvial and fine granules. The soil is frequently renewed due to frequent flooding. It is suitable for extensive cultivation.
The Regional classification of Great Plains: On the regional basis, the Great Plains has been classified into the Plains of Punjab and Haryana, Ganges Plains, Brahmaputra Plains and Delta of Ganga and Brahmaputra.
The Importance of Great Plains:
1. It is most important part because here more than 400 million people reside.
2. It is an agricultural powerhouse as it produces most of wheat and rice. It is the most fertile region in the world.
3. It is a very important religious place for all the Hindus. Many important temples are located in this region and many places mentioned in our Puranas are located here.
