List Of Popular rivers in India

List Of Popular rivers in India

Blog Article

India, a land of diverse landscapes and cultures, is enriched by an extensive network of rivers. These rivers are vital for agriculture, drinking water, energy production, and cultural heritage. Broadly, the rivers of India can be categorized into two groups: Himalayan rivers and Peninsular rivers. This article provides a detailed list of the major rivers in India.

Himalayan Rivers

The Himalayan rivers are perennial, receiving water from both monsoon rains and melting glaciers. They are known for their vast catchment areas and high water volume.

1. Ganga River
   
   
   
   • Source: Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
   
   
   • Length: 2,525 km
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi
   
   
   
   


2. Yamuna River
   
   
   
   • Source: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
   
   
   • Length: 1,376 km
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Chambal, Betwa, Ken
   
   
   
   


3. Brahmaputra River
   
   
   
   • Source: Angsi Glacier, Tibet
   
   
   • Length: 2,900 km (916 km in India)
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Subansiri, Manas, Teesta
   
   
   
   


4. Indus River
   
   
   
   • Source: Tibet, near Lake Mansarovar
   
   
   • Length: 3,180 km (1,114 km in India)
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
   
   
   
   

Peninsular Rivers

Unlike the Himalayan rivers, Peninsular rivers are largely rain-fed and exhibit seasonal flows. They are known for their shorter lengths and narrower basins.

1. Godavari River
   
   
   
   • Source: Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
   
   
   • Length: 1,465 km
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Pranhita, Indravati, Sabari
   
   
   
   


2. Krishna River
   
   
   
   • Source: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
   
   
   • Length: 1,400 km
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Bhima, Tungabhadra
   
   
   
   


3. Cauvery River
   
   
   
   • Source: Talakaveri, Karnataka
   
   
   • Length: 805 km
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Hemavati, Kabini
   
   
   
   


4. Mahanadi River
   
   
   
   • Source: Sihawa, Chhattisgarh
   
   
   • Length: 858 km
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Seonath, Jonk
   
   
   
   


5. Narmada River
   
   
   
   • Source: Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh
   
   
   • Length: 1,312 km
   
   
   • Key Tributaries: Tawa, Hiran
   
   
   
   

Rivers Flowing Westward

Most Indian rivers flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal. However, some significant rivers flow westward into the Arabian Sea.

• Narmada River


• Tapi River
  
  
  
  • Length: 724 km
  
  
  • Source: Satpura ranges, Madhya Pradesh
  
  
  
  


• Mahi River
  
  
  
  • Length: 583 km
  
  
  • Source: Madhya Pradesh
  
  
  
  


• Sabarmati River
  
  
  
  • Length: 371 km
  
  
  • Source: Aravalli Hills, Rajasthan
  
  
  
  

Notable Rivers by Cultural Significance

Apart from their geographical importance, many rivers hold deep cultural and religious significance:

• Saraswati River (mythical river of Vedic times)


• Bhagirathi River (considered the source stream of the Ganga)


• Tungabhadra River (important in South India’s history)

Conclusion

The rivers of India are much more than water bodies; they are the veins of the nation, sustaining life and fostering civilizations for centuries. It is imperative to conserve these rivers for future generations, as they form the backbone of India’s natural and cultural heritage.

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