Geography of Bihar for BPSC Exam: Physiography, Climate, Rivers, Mountains, Culture and Key Topics

Geography of Bihar for BPSC Exam: Bihar geography is a crucial subject for candidates preparing for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. Geography plays a crucial role in the prelims exam of BPSC. It contains the questions from  Bihar's physical, climatic, and economic geography. Bihar is bounded by Nepal to the north, West Bengal to the east, Jharkhand to the south, and Uttar Pradesh to the west. The state is characterised by diverse geographical features, ranging from fertile plains to rivers and unique climatic conditions.

In this article, we will explore the geographical aspects of Bihar, its physical features, climate, flora and fauna, and its rivers.

Geography of Bihar for BPSC Exam

The geography of Bihar comprises a variety of landforms and climatic conditions. It has major rivers such as the Ganges, Kosi, Son, etc., and types of soil that are found in Bihar are alluvial soil, sandy soil, red soil, and laterite soil. Check the table below for the overview of the geography of Bihar.

Physical Features of Bihar

The physical features of Bihar include its topography, landscape and major rivers. Check the details below.

Topography and Landscape

Bihar's landscape can be divided into three distinct physical regions:

The Northern Plains: These plains are formed by the deposition of sediments by the Ganga River and its tributaries, including the Gandak, Kosi, and Ghaghara. This region is highly fertile and contributes to the state’s agrarian economy.

The Southern Plateau: The southern part of Bihar, adjoining Jharkhand, consists of the Chotanagpur Plateau. It is rich in minerals and offers some undulating terrains.

The Transitional Zone: Between the plains and the plateau, this zone acts as a buffer area with mixed topographical features.

Major Rivers

Bihar is a riverine state, and rivers play an important role in defining its topography and economy.  Prominent rivers include:

Ganga: The lifeline of Bihar, flowing west to east and creating fertile alluvial plains.

Kosi: Known as the "Sorrow of Bihar" due to its unpredictable flooding.

Gandak, Son, and Punpun Rivers: Vital for irrigation and other water needs.

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Climatic Conditions in Bihar

Bihar experiences three distinct seasons:

Summer (March to June): Characterised by high temperatures, sometimes exceeding 40°C.

Monsoon (July to September): The state receives an average annual rainfall of 1,000-1,200 mm, mainly from the southwest monsoon winds.

Winter (November to February): Cooler months with temperatures dropping to around 5°C in certain regions.

Climatic Zones

Bihar falls under the humid subtropical zone, which makes its weather conducive to agriculture. However, the state often faces challenges like floods in the northern plains and drought-like conditions in the southern plateau.

Soil Types in Bihar

The fertile soils of Bihar are a boon for agriculture. The predominant soil types are:

Alluvial Soil: Found in the Gangetic plains; highly fertile and suitable for crops like paddy, wheat, and sugarcane.

Sandy Soil: Found in riverbanks and used for specific crops like maize.

Red and Laterite Soil: Found in the southern regions; less fertile but rich in minerals.

Natural Resources in Bihar

Bihar has an abundance of natural resources such as forests, minerals and water resources.

Forests: Forests cover around 7% of the area, which consists of sal, teak, and other timber trees. Major forest areas include Kaimur and Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Minerals: The southern plateau is rich in minerals like mica, bauxite, and limestone.

Water Resources: Rivers and underground water sources are abundant, supporting agriculture and industry.

Biodiversity of Bihar

Flora: The state is home to diverse vegetation types:

Deciduous Forests: Predominantly in the southern regions.

Wetland Vegetation: Found along river basins.

Fauna: Bihar's biodiversity includes species like tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer. The Valmiki National Park is a notable tiger reserve in the state.

Agriculture and Economy

Agriculture is the backbone of Bihar's economy, with over 80% of the population engaged in farming. Major crops include:

Paddy: Grown during the kharif season.

Wheat and Maize: Key rabi crops.

Cash Crops: Sugarcane, jute, and tobacco are important for commercial purposes.

Irrigation

The state relies heavily on irrigation, with canals, tube wells, and rivers being the primary sources. The Gandak and Kosi projects are notable for their role in enhancing irrigation.

Population and Urbanisation

Bihar has a population exceeding 120 million (as per the 2011 Census), making it one of India’s most densely populated states. Urbanisation is relatively low, with Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur being the prominent urban centres.

Caste Census of Bihar

Bihar has approximately 13.10 crore people in its population, where the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) has the maximum percentage of the population. Check the table below for category-wise population percentage.