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 Page 1


India - Major Rivers 
 
 
 
River Map of India: Understanding the Indian River System and its Classification  
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geography and abundant water resources, boasts a 
comprehensive river system that plays a vital role in the country's economy and 
culture. The Indian River system is classified into two categories based on their 
source: the Himalayan Rivers and the Peninsular Rivers. This article provides an 
overview of these river systems, their major rivers, and their significance in 
different regions of India. 
Page 2


India - Major Rivers 
 
 
 
River Map of India: Understanding the Indian River System and its Classification  
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geography and abundant water resources, boasts a 
comprehensive river system that plays a vital role in the country's economy and 
culture. The Indian River system is classified into two categories based on their 
source: the Himalayan Rivers and the Peninsular Rivers. This article provides an 
overview of these river systems, their major rivers, and their significance in 
different regions of India. 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
The Himalayan Rivers 
The Himalayan Rivers, as the name suggests, originate from the majestic 
Himalayas and flow through the Northern Plains. This river system consists of 
several major rivers that have shaped the geography and culture of the region. 
The important Himalayan River systems are: 
1. The Indus River System: The Indus River, also known as the Sindhu River, 
holds great historical and mythological significance in the Indian 
subcontinent. It originates in Tibet near Mansarovar Lake and flows 
westwards, entering India in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus River further 
traverses through Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and finally enters Pakistan, 
where it merges with the Arabian Sea near Karachi. The Indus River is the 
largest river in Pakistan and holds national importance. Its tributaries in 
India include Zanskar, Nubra, Shyok, and Hunza, while Sutlej, Ravi, Beas, 
Chenab, and Jhelum are its other tributaries in the region. 
2. The Ganga River System: The Ganga (Ganges) River system is the largest 
and most sacred river system in India. It originates from the Gangotri 
glaciers in Uttarakhand, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join to 
form the River Ganga. The Ganga flows through multiple Indian states, 
including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, 
Bihar, and West Bengal, before finally reaching the Bay of Bengal. The 
Yamuna, a major tributary, joins the Ganga on its right bank, along with 
other tributaries such as Son, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi, which 
contribute to its immense volume and significance. 
3. The Yamuna River System: The Yamuna River is a major river system in 
Northern India. It originates from Yamnotri in Uttarakhand and passes 
through Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The Yamuna flows through significant 
cities like Delhi, Mathura, and Agra, where it meets the rivers Chambal, 
Betwa, and Ken, before eventually joining the Ganga at Allahabad. The river 
receives tributaries such as Tons, Chambal, Hindon, Betwa, and Ken, which 
further contribute to its flow and water resources. 
4. The Brahmaputra River System: The Brahmaputra, one of the largest rivers 
in India, originates in the Angsi glacier of the Himalayas in Tibet, where it is 
Page 3


India - Major Rivers 
 
 
 
River Map of India: Understanding the Indian River System and its Classification  
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geography and abundant water resources, boasts a 
comprehensive river system that plays a vital role in the country's economy and 
culture. The Indian River system is classified into two categories based on their 
source: the Himalayan Rivers and the Peninsular Rivers. This article provides an 
overview of these river systems, their major rivers, and their significance in 
different regions of India. 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
The Himalayan Rivers 
The Himalayan Rivers, as the name suggests, originate from the majestic 
Himalayas and flow through the Northern Plains. This river system consists of 
several major rivers that have shaped the geography and culture of the region. 
The important Himalayan River systems are: 
1. The Indus River System: The Indus River, also known as the Sindhu River, 
holds great historical and mythological significance in the Indian 
subcontinent. It originates in Tibet near Mansarovar Lake and flows 
westwards, entering India in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus River further 
traverses through Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and finally enters Pakistan, 
where it merges with the Arabian Sea near Karachi. The Indus River is the 
largest river in Pakistan and holds national importance. Its tributaries in 
India include Zanskar, Nubra, Shyok, and Hunza, while Sutlej, Ravi, Beas, 
Chenab, and Jhelum are its other tributaries in the region. 
2. The Ganga River System: The Ganga (Ganges) River system is the largest 
and most sacred river system in India. It originates from the Gangotri 
glaciers in Uttarakhand, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join to 
form the River Ganga. The Ganga flows through multiple Indian states, 
including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, 
Bihar, and West Bengal, before finally reaching the Bay of Bengal. The 
Yamuna, a major tributary, joins the Ganga on its right bank, along with 
other tributaries such as Son, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi, which 
contribute to its immense volume and significance. 
3. The Yamuna River System: The Yamuna River is a major river system in 
Northern India. It originates from Yamnotri in Uttarakhand and passes 
through Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The Yamuna flows through significant 
cities like Delhi, Mathura, and Agra, where it meets the rivers Chambal, 
Betwa, and Ken, before eventually joining the Ganga at Allahabad. The river 
receives tributaries such as Tons, Chambal, Hindon, Betwa, and Ken, which 
further contribute to its flow and water resources. 
4. The Brahmaputra River System: The Brahmaputra, one of the largest rivers 
in India, originates in the Angsi glacier of the Himalayas in Tibet, where it is 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
known as the Tsangpo River. It enters India in Arunachal Pradesh and is 
called the Dihang River. As it flows through Assam, the Brahmaputra is 
joined by numerous tributaries, including the Dibang, Lohit, and Kenula, 
forming the main Brahmaputra River. The river then continues its course 
through Assam, enters Bangladesh, and finally empties into the Bay of 
Bengal. The Brahmaputra has the highest volume of water among all the 
rivers in India. 
The Peninsular Rivers 
The Peninsular River System, also known as Peninsular Drainage, emerges mainly 
from the Western Ghats. These rivers flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal or 
westwards into the Arabian Sea, depending on their course and location. The 
Peninsular Rivers are primarily rain-fed and play a crucial role in the agricultural 
and ecological balance of the region. The major Peninsular River Systems include: 
1. Mahanadi: The Mahanadi River is a significant river in East-central India. It 
originates in the Sihava mountains of Chhattisgarh and flows through the 
state of Odisha. Known for its silt deposits, the Mahanadi passes through 
cities like Sambalpur, Cuttack, and Banki, contributing to the agricultural 
productivity of the region. 
2. Godavari: The Godavari River covers the second-longest course in India 
after the Ganga. It originates at Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra and flows 
through multiple states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya 
Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry. 
The Godavari, often referred to as the Dakshina Ganga (Ganges of the 
South), finally joins the Bay of Bengal. 
3. Krishna River: The Krishna River is the third-longest river in India, 
originating from the Mahabaleshwar region of Maharashtra. It flows 
through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before finally merging 
into the Bay of Bengal. The river's major tributaries include Ghataprabha, 
Malaprabha, Bhima, and Tungabhadra, contributing to its significant water 
volume. 
Page 4


India - Major Rivers 
 
 
 
River Map of India: Understanding the Indian River System and its Classification  
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geography and abundant water resources, boasts a 
comprehensive river system that plays a vital role in the country's economy and 
culture. The Indian River system is classified into two categories based on their 
source: the Himalayan Rivers and the Peninsular Rivers. This article provides an 
overview of these river systems, their major rivers, and their significance in 
different regions of India. 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
The Himalayan Rivers 
The Himalayan Rivers, as the name suggests, originate from the majestic 
Himalayas and flow through the Northern Plains. This river system consists of 
several major rivers that have shaped the geography and culture of the region. 
The important Himalayan River systems are: 
1. The Indus River System: The Indus River, also known as the Sindhu River, 
holds great historical and mythological significance in the Indian 
subcontinent. It originates in Tibet near Mansarovar Lake and flows 
westwards, entering India in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus River further 
traverses through Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and finally enters Pakistan, 
where it merges with the Arabian Sea near Karachi. The Indus River is the 
largest river in Pakistan and holds national importance. Its tributaries in 
India include Zanskar, Nubra, Shyok, and Hunza, while Sutlej, Ravi, Beas, 
Chenab, and Jhelum are its other tributaries in the region. 
2. The Ganga River System: The Ganga (Ganges) River system is the largest 
and most sacred river system in India. It originates from the Gangotri 
glaciers in Uttarakhand, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join to 
form the River Ganga. The Ganga flows through multiple Indian states, 
including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, 
Bihar, and West Bengal, before finally reaching the Bay of Bengal. The 
Yamuna, a major tributary, joins the Ganga on its right bank, along with 
other tributaries such as Son, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi, which 
contribute to its immense volume and significance. 
3. The Yamuna River System: The Yamuna River is a major river system in 
Northern India. It originates from Yamnotri in Uttarakhand and passes 
through Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The Yamuna flows through significant 
cities like Delhi, Mathura, and Agra, where it meets the rivers Chambal, 
Betwa, and Ken, before eventually joining the Ganga at Allahabad. The river 
receives tributaries such as Tons, Chambal, Hindon, Betwa, and Ken, which 
further contribute to its flow and water resources. 
4. The Brahmaputra River System: The Brahmaputra, one of the largest rivers 
in India, originates in the Angsi glacier of the Himalayas in Tibet, where it is 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
known as the Tsangpo River. It enters India in Arunachal Pradesh and is 
called the Dihang River. As it flows through Assam, the Brahmaputra is 
joined by numerous tributaries, including the Dibang, Lohit, and Kenula, 
forming the main Brahmaputra River. The river then continues its course 
through Assam, enters Bangladesh, and finally empties into the Bay of 
Bengal. The Brahmaputra has the highest volume of water among all the 
rivers in India. 
The Peninsular Rivers 
The Peninsular River System, also known as Peninsular Drainage, emerges mainly 
from the Western Ghats. These rivers flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal or 
westwards into the Arabian Sea, depending on their course and location. The 
Peninsular Rivers are primarily rain-fed and play a crucial role in the agricultural 
and ecological balance of the region. The major Peninsular River Systems include: 
1. Mahanadi: The Mahanadi River is a significant river in East-central India. It 
originates in the Sihava mountains of Chhattisgarh and flows through the 
state of Odisha. Known for its silt deposits, the Mahanadi passes through 
cities like Sambalpur, Cuttack, and Banki, contributing to the agricultural 
productivity of the region. 
2. Godavari: The Godavari River covers the second-longest course in India 
after the Ganga. It originates at Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra and flows 
through multiple states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya 
Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry. 
The Godavari, often referred to as the Dakshina Ganga (Ganges of the 
South), finally joins the Bay of Bengal. 
3. Krishna River: The Krishna River is the third-longest river in India, 
originating from the Mahabaleshwar region of Maharashtra. It flows 
through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before finally merging 
into the Bay of Bengal. The river's major tributaries include Ghataprabha, 
Malaprabha, Bhima, and Tungabhadra, contributing to its significant water 
volume. 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
4. Kaveri River: The Kaveri (Cauvery) River, often referred to as the Ganges of 
the South, is a major river in Southern India. It originates in the Brahmagiri 
Hills of Karnataka and flows across three states: Karnataka, Kerala, and 
Tamil Nadu. The Kaveri River receives numerous tributaries such as 
Hemavati, Moyari, Shimsha, Arkavati, Honnuhole, Kabini, Bhavani, Noyill, 
and Amaravati. It finally drains into the Bay of Bengal, providing water 
resources for irrigation and supporting the region's agriculture. 
5. Narmada and Tapi (Tapti): The Narmada and Tapi (Tapti) rivers are the only 
major rivers that flow into the Arabian Sea. The Narmada River, with a total 
length of 1,312 km, originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and 
flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The Tapi River 
runs parallel to the Narmada, flowing through Maharashtra and Gujarat 
before entering the Gulf of Khambhat. The major tributaries of the Tapi are 
Purna, Girna, and Panjhra. 
Table: River Systems of India 
River Name Length 
(km) 
Area Originates From Ends in Places Benefited 
Indus 3180/1114 3,21,289 
Sq.Km. 
Tibet Arabian 
Sea 
India and Pakistan 
Ganga 2525 1.08 
million 
Sq.Km. 
Gangotri Bay of 
Bengal 
Uttar Pradesh, 
Uttarakhand, 
Bihar, West Bengal 
Yamuna 1376 36622 
Sq.Km. 
Yamunotri Bay of 
Bengal 
Delhi, Haryana, 
Uttar Pradesh 
Brahmaputra 916 - in India 
194413 
Sq.Km. 
Angsi glacier Bay of 
Bengal 
Assam, Arunachal 
Pradesh 
Kaveri 765 81155 
Sq.Km. 
Brahmagiri hills Bay of 
Bengal 
Karnataka, Tamil 
Nadu 
Godavari 1465 3,12,812 
Sq.Km. 
Triambakeshwar Bay of 
Bengal 
Andhra Pradesh, 
Telangana 
Krishna 1400 25894 
Sq.Km. 
Mahabaleshwar Bay of 
Bengal 
Maharashtra, 
Andhra Pradesh 
Narmada 1312 98,796 
Sq.Km. 
Amarkantak Arabian 
Sea 
Madhya Pradesh, 
Maharashtra 
Page 5


India - Major Rivers 
 
 
 
River Map of India: Understanding the Indian River System and its Classification  
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geography and abundant water resources, boasts a 
comprehensive river system that plays a vital role in the country's economy and 
culture. The Indian River system is classified into two categories based on their 
source: the Himalayan Rivers and the Peninsular Rivers. This article provides an 
overview of these river systems, their major rivers, and their significance in 
different regions of India. 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
The Himalayan Rivers 
The Himalayan Rivers, as the name suggests, originate from the majestic 
Himalayas and flow through the Northern Plains. This river system consists of 
several major rivers that have shaped the geography and culture of the region. 
The important Himalayan River systems are: 
1. The Indus River System: The Indus River, also known as the Sindhu River, 
holds great historical and mythological significance in the Indian 
subcontinent. It originates in Tibet near Mansarovar Lake and flows 
westwards, entering India in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus River further 
traverses through Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and finally enters Pakistan, 
where it merges with the Arabian Sea near Karachi. The Indus River is the 
largest river in Pakistan and holds national importance. Its tributaries in 
India include Zanskar, Nubra, Shyok, and Hunza, while Sutlej, Ravi, Beas, 
Chenab, and Jhelum are its other tributaries in the region. 
2. The Ganga River System: The Ganga (Ganges) River system is the largest 
and most sacred river system in India. It originates from the Gangotri 
glaciers in Uttarakhand, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join to 
form the River Ganga. The Ganga flows through multiple Indian states, 
including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, 
Bihar, and West Bengal, before finally reaching the Bay of Bengal. The 
Yamuna, a major tributary, joins the Ganga on its right bank, along with 
other tributaries such as Son, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi, which 
contribute to its immense volume and significance. 
3. The Yamuna River System: The Yamuna River is a major river system in 
Northern India. It originates from Yamnotri in Uttarakhand and passes 
through Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The Yamuna flows through significant 
cities like Delhi, Mathura, and Agra, where it meets the rivers Chambal, 
Betwa, and Ken, before eventually joining the Ganga at Allahabad. The river 
receives tributaries such as Tons, Chambal, Hindon, Betwa, and Ken, which 
further contribute to its flow and water resources. 
4. The Brahmaputra River System: The Brahmaputra, one of the largest rivers 
in India, originates in the Angsi glacier of the Himalayas in Tibet, where it is 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
known as the Tsangpo River. It enters India in Arunachal Pradesh and is 
called the Dihang River. As it flows through Assam, the Brahmaputra is 
joined by numerous tributaries, including the Dibang, Lohit, and Kenula, 
forming the main Brahmaputra River. The river then continues its course 
through Assam, enters Bangladesh, and finally empties into the Bay of 
Bengal. The Brahmaputra has the highest volume of water among all the 
rivers in India. 
The Peninsular Rivers 
The Peninsular River System, also known as Peninsular Drainage, emerges mainly 
from the Western Ghats. These rivers flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal or 
westwards into the Arabian Sea, depending on their course and location. The 
Peninsular Rivers are primarily rain-fed and play a crucial role in the agricultural 
and ecological balance of the region. The major Peninsular River Systems include: 
1. Mahanadi: The Mahanadi River is a significant river in East-central India. It 
originates in the Sihava mountains of Chhattisgarh and flows through the 
state of Odisha. Known for its silt deposits, the Mahanadi passes through 
cities like Sambalpur, Cuttack, and Banki, contributing to the agricultural 
productivity of the region. 
2. Godavari: The Godavari River covers the second-longest course in India 
after the Ganga. It originates at Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra and flows 
through multiple states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya 
Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry. 
The Godavari, often referred to as the Dakshina Ganga (Ganges of the 
South), finally joins the Bay of Bengal. 
3. Krishna River: The Krishna River is the third-longest river in India, 
originating from the Mahabaleshwar region of Maharashtra. It flows 
through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before finally merging 
into the Bay of Bengal. The river's major tributaries include Ghataprabha, 
Malaprabha, Bhima, and Tungabhadra, contributing to its significant water 
volume. 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
4. Kaveri River: The Kaveri (Cauvery) River, often referred to as the Ganges of 
the South, is a major river in Southern India. It originates in the Brahmagiri 
Hills of Karnataka and flows across three states: Karnataka, Kerala, and 
Tamil Nadu. The Kaveri River receives numerous tributaries such as 
Hemavati, Moyari, Shimsha, Arkavati, Honnuhole, Kabini, Bhavani, Noyill, 
and Amaravati. It finally drains into the Bay of Bengal, providing water 
resources for irrigation and supporting the region's agriculture. 
5. Narmada and Tapi (Tapti): The Narmada and Tapi (Tapti) rivers are the only 
major rivers that flow into the Arabian Sea. The Narmada River, with a total 
length of 1,312 km, originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and 
flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The Tapi River 
runs parallel to the Narmada, flowing through Maharashtra and Gujarat 
before entering the Gulf of Khambhat. The major tributaries of the Tapi are 
Purna, Girna, and Panjhra. 
Table: River Systems of India 
River Name Length 
(km) 
Area Originates From Ends in Places Benefited 
Indus 3180/1114 3,21,289 
Sq.Km. 
Tibet Arabian 
Sea 
India and Pakistan 
Ganga 2525 1.08 
million 
Sq.Km. 
Gangotri Bay of 
Bengal 
Uttar Pradesh, 
Uttarakhand, 
Bihar, West Bengal 
Yamuna 1376 36622 
Sq.Km. 
Yamunotri Bay of 
Bengal 
Delhi, Haryana, 
Uttar Pradesh 
Brahmaputra 916 - in India 
194413 
Sq.Km. 
Angsi glacier Bay of 
Bengal 
Assam, Arunachal 
Pradesh 
Kaveri 765 81155 
Sq.Km. 
Brahmagiri hills Bay of 
Bengal 
Karnataka, Tamil 
Nadu 
Godavari 1465 3,12,812 
Sq.Km. 
Triambakeshwar Bay of 
Bengal 
Andhra Pradesh, 
Telangana 
Krishna 1400 25894 
Sq.Km. 
Mahabaleshwar Bay of 
Bengal 
Maharashtra, 
Andhra Pradesh 
Narmada 1312 98,796 
Sq.Km. 
Amarkantak Arabian 
Sea 
Madhya Pradesh, 
Maharashtra 
India - Major Rivers 
 
 
Tapi 724 65,300 
Sq.Km. 
Betul district Arabian 
Sea 
Madhya Pradesh, 
Maharashtra 
Mahanadi 858 1,41,600 
Sq.Km. 
Sihava 
mountains 
Bay of 
Bengal 
Jharkhand, 
Chhattisgarh, 
Odisha 
 
It is important to recognize the significance of these rivers and work towards their 
preservation and sustainable management to ensure the well-being of present 
and future generations. 
Conclusion 
The rivers of India, both Himalayan and Peninsular, form an intricate network that 
influences the lives of millions of people. These rivers provide water for irrigation, 
support diverse ecosystems, and hold cultural and religious significance. 
Understanding the Indian River System and its classification helps in appreciating 
the geographical, historical, and cultural importance of these water bodies. The 
table below summarizes the major rivers of India and their respective 
characteristics.