Chota Nagpur Plateau – Geography, Resources, Economy & UPSC Notes

The Chota Nagpur Plateau is one of the most resource-rich and strategically important regions of India, located in the eastern part of the country. Known for its mineral wealth, scenic landscapes, and tribal culture, it holds immense significance in the study of Indian geography and economy. The plateau is often called the “Ruhr of India” due to its abundant coal reserves and industrial importance. It forms the north-eastern part of the Deccan Plateau and covers most of Jharkhand and adjoining parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.

For UPSC aspirants, the Chota Nagpur Plateau is important because of its:

Unique geological formation.
Mineral-based economy and role in India's industrial growth.
Socio-cultural diversity and tribal population.
Strategic position influencing the socio-economic and environmental landscape.

2. Location & Extent

Lies mainly in Jharkhand (almost 2/3rd of the area), parts of northern Odisha, west Bengal’s Purulia district, south Bihar, and north Chhattisgarh.
Bounded by:

North: Gangetic plains of Bihar.
South: Mahanadi basin.
East: Purulia highlands and West Bengal plains.
West: Baghelkhand plateau of Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh.

Approximate coordinates: 22°–24°N latitude and 83°–86°E longitude.
Covers about 65,000 sq. km.

3. Geological Structure

Part of the Peninsular Shield of India.
Formed during the Precambrian era.
Predominantly composed of Archaean granite and gneiss, along with Dharwar system rocks.
Contains Gondwana sedimentary rocks (important for coal deposits).
Rich in iron ore, coal, mica, bauxite, copper, and uranium.
Tectonically stable but shows signs of ancient faulting and jointing.

4. Physiographic Divisions

The Chota Nagpur Plateau is divided into three major plateaus:

4.1 Ranchi Plateau

Average elevation: 600–900 metres.
Located in central Jharkhand.
Contains Ranchi city (state capital of Jharkhand).
Known for waterfalls like Hundru, Dassam, Jonha.
Rich in coal and iron ore.

4.2 Hazaribagh Plateau

Average elevation: 610 metres.
Famous for coal mining areas like Karanpura and Giridih.
Hazaribagh National Park is located here.

4.3 Singhbhum Plateau

Lies in the southern part.
Average elevation: 300–600 metres.
Rich in iron ore deposits (Noamundi, Gua mines).

5. Rivers & Drainage System

Major rivers:

Damodar River – Flows through the northern part; called the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to floods.
Subarnarekha River – Passes through Ranchi, flows into the Bay of Bengal.
Koel, Sankh, and Brahmani Rivers – Drain into Mahanadi.
Barakar River – Tributary of Damodar.

Rivers are mostly rain-fed and have steep gradients, resulting in waterfalls.

6. Climate

Tropical monsoon climate.
Summers: Hot (up to 40°C).
Winters: Cool (down to 8°C).
Rainfall: 1000–1400 mm annually, mostly from Southwest Monsoon.
Semi-arid patches in the west.

7. Natural Vegetation & Wildlife

Mostly tropical dry deciduous forests.
Dominant species: Sal, Teak, Mahua, Bamboo.
Wildlife: Elephants, leopards, bears, bison, and various bird species.
Protected areas:

Betla National Park (Palamu Tiger Reserve)
Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.

8. Mineral Resources

The Chota Nagpur Plateau is India’s mineral heartland:

Coal: Jharia, Bokaro, Karanpura.
Iron ore: Noamundi, Gua.
Mica: Koderma, Giridih.
Bauxite: Lohardaga.
Copper: Singhbhum belt.
Uranium: Jaduguda mines.
Limestone & Dolomite: Palamu and Bokaro districts.

9. Industries

Heavy Industries: Steel plants in Jamshedpur (TISCO), Bokaro, Durgapur.
Power plants: Bokaro Thermal, Patratu Thermal.
Cement, aluminium, copper smelting units.
Handicrafts: Tribal art, dokra metal craft.

10. Agriculture

Soil: Red and yellow soils, lateritic soils; poor fertility.
Major crops: Paddy, maize, pulses, oilseeds.
Rainfed agriculture with limited irrigation.
Shifting cultivation in tribal areas.

11. Transport & Connectivity

Railways: Howrah–Delhi main line via Asansol, Dhanbad.
Road: Golden Quadrilateral passes through.
Airports: Ranchi Airport.

12. Demographics & Culture

High tribal population (Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, Kharia).
Languages: Hindi, Bengali, Nagpuri, Santali, Kurukh.
Festivals: Sarhul, Karma, Sohrai.
Rich in folk dances, songs, and handicrafts.

13. Environmental Concerns

Deforestation due to mining and industrialisation.
Displacement of tribals.
Water pollution from industrial effluents.
Soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

14. Significance for UPSC

Physical geography: Plateau formation, drainage.
Economic geography: Mineral distribution.
Environment: Forests, wildlife sanctuaries.
Social: Tribal communities and culture.
Current affairs: Mining policies, displacement issues.

Part 2: Top 10 FAQs

Q1. Where is the Chota Nagpur Plateau located?
The Chota Nagpur Plateau is located in eastern India, mainly in Jharkhand, and extends into parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.

Q2. Why is the Chota Nagpur Plateau called the “Ruhr of India”?
It is called the “Ruhr of India” because, like Germany’s Ruhr region, it is rich in coal and mineral resources and is a hub of heavy industries.

Q3. Which minerals are found in the Chota Nagpur Plateau?
Major minerals include coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, mica, uranium, and limestone.

Q4. What are the major rivers of the Chota Nagpur Plateau?
Key rivers are Damodar, Subarnarekha, Koel, Sankh, Brahmani, and Barakar.

Q5. What type of soil is found in the Chota Nagpur Plateau?
The plateau has red and yellow soils, lateritic soils, and patches of alluvial soils.

Q6. Which are the major industries in the Chota Nagpur Plateau?
Important industries include steel plants (TISCO, Bokaro), thermal power stations, aluminium smelters, and cement factories.

Q7. What is the climate of the Chota Nagpur Plateau?
It has a tropical monsoon climate with hot summers, cool winters, and annual rainfall between 1000–1400 mm.

Q8. Which tribal communities live in the Chota Nagpur Plateau?
Prominent tribes are the Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, and Kharia.

Q9. What are the main environmental issues in the Chota Nagpur Plateau?
Deforestation, mining-related displacement, soil erosion, and industrial pollution are key concerns.

Q10. Why is the Chota Nagpur Plateau important for UPSC?
It is significant for topics like mineral distribution, tribal culture, industrial geography, environmental issues, and physical geography.