Question

Which of the following countries do the Indo Gangetic plains spread over?
A) India
B) Pakistan
C) Bangladesh
D) All of these

Answer 1

Hint: The Indus Valley Civilization, which was responsible for the formation of ancient Indian subcontinent culture, flourished in this region. The Maurya Empire, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, Pala Empire, Imperial Kannauj, Delhi Sultanates, Mughal Empire, and Maratha Empire all benefited from the flat and fertile land.

Complete answer:
Indus and Ganga plains are other names for the Indo Gangetic plain. The Indus and Ganga rivers are named after these plains. It includes much of northern and eastern India, eastern Pakistan, and the entire country of Bangladesh. The Himalayas, which are located to the north of these plains, are the source of rich alluvium that is transported down to the Indo-Gangetic plains by its rivers.

The Indo-Gangetic Plain, also known as the North Indian River Plain, is a fertile plain encompassing the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, including most of northern and eastern India, eastern Pakistan, virtually all of Bangladesh, and the southern plains of Nepal. It covers 0.70 million km2 (172 million acres). The region is named after the rivers Indus and Ganges and includes many significant cities.

The Himalayas, which feed the plain's numerous rivers and are the source of the fertile alluvium deposited throughout the region by the two river systems, border it on the north. The Chota Nagpur Plateau marks the plain's southern boundary. The Iranian Plateau rises to the west. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is home to many established cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Karachi, and Dacca.

Therefore, the correct option is ‘D’.

Note: The Indo-Gangetic plain served as the demographic and political heartland for all of them. This region was known as "Aryavarta" during the Vedic and Epic periods of Indian history (Land of the Aryans). 'Aryavarta' is defined as "the tract between the Himalaya and the Vindhya ranges, from the Eastern Sea (Bay of Bengal) to the Western Sea (Arabian Sea)" by Manusmti (2.22). The region is also known as "Hindustan," which means "Land of the Hindus."