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.
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