Geography For IAS, UPSC | Bhabar Region, Terai Region | River Valley, Khadar, Bhangar Region | Delta

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Geography for IAS, UPSC – Bhabar, Terai, Khadar, Bhangar & Delta Regions Explained

Geography for IAS and UPSC aspirants plays a vital role in understanding India’s landforms and river systems. Among the most important topics are the Bhabar, Terai, Khadar, Bhangar, and Delta regions — each representing a unique stage in the journey of rivers from the Himalayas to the sea.

Geography for IAS UPSC Bhabar Terai Khadar Bhangar Delta

Introduction

When Himalayan rivers descend towards the plains, they carry large quantities of sediments such as rocks, pebbles, sand, and silt. These materials shape several geographical features across northern India. Understanding these regions is crucial for IAS and UPSC Geography preparation as they form the foundation of India’s river valley system.

1. The Himalayan Origin

The Himalayas are the world’s highest mountain range, hosting peaks like Mount Everest and K2, many of which rise above 8,000 meters. The term “Himalaya” means “Abode of Snow.” It contains over 15,000 glaciers and stretches about 2,400 km, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau.

Major rivers such as the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna originate here. These rivers not only nourish the Indian plains but also form diverse landscapes like the Bhabar, Terai, Khadar, and Bhangar regions.

2. Bhabar Region

The Bhabar Region lies just below the Shiwalik range. It consists of coarse gravel, pebbles, and stones brought down by the rivers from the mountains. Here, the rivers disappear beneath the surface due to the porous nature of the soil — making it a region of underground streams.

  • Located between the Shiwalik Hills and the Terai.
  • Soil: Coarse, stony, and porous.
  • Climate: Sub-tropical.
  • Width: Broader in the west, narrower in the east.

3. Terai Region

Just south of Bhabar lies the Terai Region. Here, underground streams of the Bhabar re-emerge on the surface, leading to marshy and waterlogged conditions. Due to high moisture, this region supports dense forests and rich biodiversity.

  • Highly fertile and humid zone.
  • Characterized by swamps and tall grasses.
  • Common crops: Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane, and Maize.
  • Also known for high mosquito density and malaria outbreaks in earlier times.

4. Khadar and Bhangar Regions

As the rivers flow further into the plains, they deposit sediments during floods. These sediments form two distinct types of land:

Khadar Region (New Alluvium)

  • Formed by recent deposits from rivers during floods.
  • Very fertile and suitable for crops like Sugarcane, Rice, and Wheat.
  • Soil contains fine silt and clay, regularly replenished by fresh deposits.

Bhangar Region (Old Alluvium)

  • Older alluvial plain located above the flood level.
  • Soil is slightly elevated and less fertile than Khadar.
  • Rich in humus and minerals but not renewed annually by floods.

5. Delta Region

When rivers approach the sea, their flow slows down, and they deposit sediments in triangular patterns known as Deltas. The most famous in India is the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta, spreading across Bangladesh and West Bengal — the largest delta in the world. It is also known as the Sundarbans Delta.

Conclusion

The journey from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal illustrates how rivers shape India’s landscape — from rocky Bhabar lands to fertile Deltas. For IAS and UPSC aspirants, understanding these regions is essential to grasp India’s geomorphology, river systems, and agricultural patterns.

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