The Chambal Badlands

Abstract

Chambal Badlands of central India are one of the most extensive badlands in the world, and are one of the four severely dissected landscapes within the Middle Alluvial Ganga Plains (MGAP). This extensive dissected landscape with labyrinth of winding gullies has offered refuge to outlaws for centuries. Badlands or ravines generally but not exclusively occur in semi-arid and arid areas with erodible rocks. These areas, dominated by surface erosion by overland flow and gullies, are characterized by heavily dissected terrains with steep slopes and channels separated by sharp ridges. The gullies rapidly incise and extend headward. Evidence suggests that the evolution of the badlands along the Chambal River coincided with the incision of the river as a result of the strengthening of SW monsoon in the early Holocene. Lineament controlled block uplifts might have also affected these areas causing the streams to rejuvenate, inducing widespread gullying in the region. Evidence such as ruins of former settlements, and remains of temple foundations suggests that these badlands were formed and/or rapidly extended during the recent historical period. The possibility of further expansion of the badlands in response to human interference is expected in the future.