Describe the physical divisions of Bihar and their characteristics.

The physiography or physical divisions of Bihar can be broadly classified into three main zones:

The Shivalik Region (Himalayan Foothills):

• Location: A small, narrow belt in the extreme northwestern part of Bihar, primarily in West Champaran district.
• Characteristics: This region is part of the sub-Himalayan foothills. It features rugged terrain, hills, and valleys like the Harha Valley. The Valmiki National Park is located here.

The Gangetic Plain (Bihar Plains):

• Location: This is the largest part of Bihar, covering over 90% of the state. The Ganga River flows through the middle, dividing it into two sub-regions.
• Characteristics (North Bihar Plain): Located north of the Ganga, this plain is extremely flat and fertile, built by the sediments of rivers like the Gandak, Kosi, and Bagmati. It is highly prone to flooding.
• Characteristics (South Bihar Plain): Located south of the Ganga, this plain is also fertile but is wider in the west and narrower in the east. It is drained by rivers like the Son, Punpun, and Falgu. It has several small hills like the Rajgir and Barabar hills.

The Southern Plateau Region:

• Location: A narrow belt along the southern border of Bihar, adjoining Jharkhand.
• Characteristics: This is an extension of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It is composed of old, hard rocks (gneiss, schist). This region is hilly and includes the Kaimur, Jamui, and Banka hills.