Page 121 - Social Studies 7

one international airport is located here. Despite agriculture people are engaged
in tourism, industries and services sectors too.

3. The Terai Region

The plain area in the Southern region of Nepal is called the Terai region.
This region ranges between 59 m to 600m above the sea level. It occupies about
17 percent of total land area of the country. This region is also called 'Madhesh by
local people. The plain land between the Chure range and the Mahabharat range
is called the Inner Terai or Bhitri Madhesh.

Climate and Vegetation

Altitude of this region is almost low. So, the climate is hot in the Terai. The
western the Terai has extreme temperature because of scanty rainfall due to the
greater distances from the sea. The westerlies wind carries moisture during the
winter season and it occurs precipitation. The soil is very fertile due to the alluvial
deposition. Evergreen sub-tropical forest is found in this region. Altogether 20
districts lie in this region.

Social Life

The Terai is originally inhabited by the Tharus, the Satars, the Rajbanshis, the
Mushahars, the Dhimals, the Yadavs, the Jhas, the Rayas, etc. Comfortable land
features and facilities attracted many people to migrate in the Terai. Therefore
many other caste are living in the Terai mostly people follow Hinduism. Islam
religion is followed in different parts of Terai region. People celebrate different
festivals, such as Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Holi, Eid and Maghi. Summer is very
hot and winter is warm. So, people wear light cotton clothes and they eat light
food.

Economic Life

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of the Terai. This region produces
food crops and cash crops and supply to the various parts of the country. Therefore,
it is called the "Granary of Nepal". Other occupations are cattle rearing, trade,
industry, services, etc. Many agro based industries are established in the Terai.

Key Words

agro based : industry draw raw materials from agriculture
formidable : difficult, unwanted

121 Dynamic Social Studies and Population Education - Book VII