The Chotanagpur Plateau is a significant physiographic region in eastern India, primarily covering Jharkhand state and parts of neighboring states.
It's known for:
Mineral wealth: It contains one of India's richest mineral belts with abundant coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, limestone, and mica deposits. This mineral wealth has made it an important industrial region in eastern India.
River systems: The plateau is primarily drained by the Damodar River (not Mahanadi). Other rivers like Subarnarekha, Koel, and North Koel also drain this region.
Geographical boundaries: The Rajmahal Hills form part of the eastern extension of the plateau, not its western boundary. The western part is bounded by portions of the Vindhya-Satpura ranges.
Tribal population: The region is home to various tribal communities including Mundas, Santals, Oraons, and Ho tribes.
Vegetation: It has significant forest cover with sal and other deciduous trees being predominant.