< b="" />The Drainage System of India

India has a vast and intricate drainage system, consisting of numerous rivers and their tributaries. The drainage patterns in India are primarily controlled by the topography, climate, and geological features of the region. The drainage system can be divided into four major categories: the Himalayan rivers, the Peninsular rivers, the Coastal rivers, and the Inland drainage.

Himalayan Rivers:
The Himalayan rivers originate from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and are characterized by their perennial nature and high water discharge. Some of the major Himalayan rivers include the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus, and their tributaries. These rivers have a dendritic or trellis drainage pattern, with numerous tributaries joining the main river in a hierarchical manner.

Peninsular Rivers:
The Peninsular rivers flow through the Peninsular plateau and are relatively smaller in size compared to the Himalayan rivers. They have a radial pattern, with multiple rivers originating from a central point and flowing in different directions. The major Peninsular rivers include the Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, and Cauvery.

Coastal Rivers:
The Coastal rivers are short in length and drain directly into the Arabian Sea or the Bay of Bengal. They are formed by the deposition of sediments by major rivers and have an estuarine or deltaic pattern. The Narmada and Tapti rivers are examples of coastal rivers.

Inland Drainage:
Inland drainage refers to the drainage basins that do not have any outlet to the sea. These basins are often characterized by inland lakes and salt marshes. The Luni River is a prominent example of an inland drainage system in India.

Key Pointers:
- The drainage system in India is influenced by the country's topography, climate, and geology.
- The Himalayan rivers have a dendritic or trellis pattern, while the Peninsular rivers have a radial pattern.
- Coastal rivers are short in length and have an estuarine or deltaic pattern.
- Inland drainage basins do not have any outlet to the sea and often contain inland lakes and salt marshes.

Overall, India's drainage system plays a crucial role in the country's agriculture, economy, and water resource management. The rivers provide water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and transportation, making them an integral part of the nation's development.