Question

Name the five major regions into which the Indo-Gangetic Plain can be divided.

Answer 1

Hint:The Indo-Gangetic Plain is also known as the Northern Plain. It is made by the interplay of three major rivers namely- the Indus river, Ganga, and the Brahmaputra along with its tributaries.

Complete answer:
The Northern Plain is formed by alluvial soil. This is a very fertile plain lying at the foothills of the Himalayas and is a densely populated physiographic division. The Northern Plain spreads over 7 lakh sq. km; it is about 2400 Km long and 240-320 Km wide. The rich soil and adequate water supply with a favorable climate make this region agriculturally very productive.

The velocity of the rivers, which come from the northern mountains, due to the gentle slope, decreases which subsequently results in the deposition of the slit in the lower course. This causes these rivers to split into numerous channels. These channels are known as Distributaries. The Northern Plain is divided into three sections namely- The Punjab plain, the Ganga plain,s, and the Brahmaputra plain. The Western part of the northern plains is the Punjab plain which is formed by Indus and its tributaries. Pakistan has the larger part of this plain.

The Indus and its tributaries originate in the Himalayas which are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and the Satluj. This part is dominated by doabs. The Ganga plain spreads over North India- Haryana, Delhi, U.P., Bihar, partly Jharkhand and West Bengal to its east and extends between Ghaggar and Teesta rivers. The Brahmaputra plain lies, particularly in Assam. On the basis of the variations in relief features, the Northern plains can be divided into four regions- the Bhabar region, Terai region, Bhangar region, and Khadar region.

Note: The Indus Valley civilization was formed in the Northern plains since the land was so fertile which allowed a rich harvest of a variety of crops and this led to the development of the Indus Valley civilization.