The swampy belt of the northern Indian plains is known as ________
Terai
Understanding the Northern Indian Plains and Their Divisions
The Northern Indian Plains are a vast and fertile region formed by the deposition of sediments by the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. This extensive plain is not uniform and can be divided into different belts based on their physiographic characteristics.
Identifying the Swampy Belt
The question asks specifically about the swampy belt found in the northern part of the Indian plains. Let's examine the different regions mentioned in the options:
- Terai: This region lies south of the Bhabar belt. It is a marshy and swampy area characterized by thick forests and wildlife. Rivers that disappear in the Bhabar region re-emerge here, contributing to its wet and marshy nature.
- Doab: This is a term used to describe the fertile land located between two confluent rivers. For example, the Ganga-Yamuna Doab is the area between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. While often fertile, 'Doab' refers to an inter-riverine area, not a specific swampy belt across the entire northern plains.
- Bhangar: This represents the older alluvial plains. It is located above the floodplains of the rivers and presents a terrace-like feature. The soil is calcareous and less fertile than the newer alluvial deposits. It is not typically described as swampy.
- Khadar: This refers to the newer alluvial plains, formed by fresh deposits of silt every year during the flood season. It is highly fertile but prone to flooding. While it can be wet, it is characterized by annual flooding and deposition, not a permanent swampy condition like the Terai.
Based on these descriptions, the Terai region is specifically known for being the swampy and marshy belt of the northern Indian plains.
Revision Table: Key Regions of Northern Plains
| Region | Location | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bhabar | South of Shiwaliks, parallel to slopes | Narrow belt, pebbles, porous, rivers disappear |
| Terai | South of Bhabar | Wet, marshy, swampy, thick forests, wildlife |
| Bhangar | Older alluvial plain, above flood level | Terrace-like, calcareous deposits (kankar), less fertile |
| Khadar | Newer alluvial plain, floodplain | Renewed annually, fertile, prone to flooding |
| Doab | Land between two rivers | Fertile (generally) |
Therefore, the swampy belt of the northern Indian plains is correctly identified as the Terai region.
Additional Information on Indian Plains Geography
The differentiation of the Northern Plains into these distinct belts is crucial for understanding the diverse landscapes and agricultural practices across the region. The Bhabar belt is not suitable for agriculture due to its porous nature, while the fertile Khadar and Bhangar lands are extensively cultivated. The Terai, historically covered in dense forests, has undergone significant deforestation for agriculture, but it still retains some areas known for their wetland characteristics and biodiversity.
The formation of these features is a result of the varying depositional activities of the Himalayan rivers as they descend onto the flat plains. The coarser materials are deposited first (Bhabar), followed by finer silts and clays (Terai, Bhangar, Khadar) as the river velocity decreases.
Important Questions from Location(s)
_______is the oldest mountain range in the Indian subcontinent.
Which of the following is a unique feature of the Barren Islands?
Which of the following hill stations is located in the Middle Himalayas?
The northern most range of the Himalayan mountain is known as:
Where is the active volcano found in India?
