What are the major rivers and plateaus of Bihar?

The geography of Bihar is defined by its major rivers and plateau regions.

Major Rivers of Bihar: 

The rivers are divided into two groups by the Ganga:

North Bihar Rivers (Himalayan): These are perennial rivers originating in the Himalayas. They carry a lot of water and sediment, often causing floods.

• Ganga (Ganges): The main river that bisects the state.
• Gandak: Enters Bihar in West Champaran, joins the Ganga near Patna.
• Kosi: Known as the "Sorrow of Bihar" for its frequent flooding.
• Bagmati: Flows south from Nepal, a major river in the Mithila region.
• Mahananda: The easternmost river of North Bihar.

South Bihar Rivers (Plateau): These rivers originate from the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the south and are largely seasonal (rain-fed).

• Son (Sone): A major tributary that joins the Ganga near Patna.
• Punpun: Runs parallel to the Son and joins the Ganga.
• Falgu: The sacred river in Gaya, known for its subsurface flow.

Major Plateaus of Bihar
After the creation of Jharkhand, only a small portion of the plateau region remains in Bihar:

• Kaimur Plateau (Rohtas Plateau): Located in the southwestern part of Bihar (Kaimur and Rohtas districts). It is an extension of the Vindhyan Range.
• Southern Plateau Belt: A narrow belt in the extreme south, which is an extension of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. This includes the hills of Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, and Banka.