Major Lakes of India | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Major Lakes of India 
 
 
 
Map: Lakes in India 
Introduction 
India, with its rich natural resources, is home to a remarkable array of lakes that 
enhance the country's scenic splendor. From expansive freshwater lakes to 
charming saltwater lakes, each state showcases its unique collection of these 
captivating water bodies. Lakes in India are not only renowned for their beauty 
but also play vital roles in sustaining ecosystems, providing resources for 
irrigation, serving as sources of drinking water, and supporting livelihoods. This 
article explores the diverse categories of lakes found in India and highlights some 
of the largest and most significant lakes across different states, showcasing the 
intrinsic connection between nature and human life. 
 
Page 2


Major Lakes of India 
 
 
 
Map: Lakes in India 
Introduction 
India, with its rich natural resources, is home to a remarkable array of lakes that 
enhance the country's scenic splendor. From expansive freshwater lakes to 
charming saltwater lakes, each state showcases its unique collection of these 
captivating water bodies. Lakes in India are not only renowned for their beauty 
but also play vital roles in sustaining ecosystems, providing resources for 
irrigation, serving as sources of drinking water, and supporting livelihoods. This 
article explores the diverse categories of lakes found in India and highlights some 
of the largest and most significant lakes across different states, showcasing the 
intrinsic connection between nature and human life. 
 
Major Lakes of India 
 
 
Categories of Lakes in India 
Lakes in India can be classified into several categories based on their unique 
characteristics. These categories include: 
? Freshwater Lakes: Lakes that primarily contain fresh water. 
? Saltwater Lakes: Lakes with a high concentration of salt, also known as 
saline lakes. 
? Natural Lakes: Lakes formed naturally by geological processes. 
? Oxbow Lakes: Curved lakes formed when a river changes its course. 
? Artificial Lakes: Man-made lakes created for various purposes, such as 
irrigation or water supply. 
? Crater Lakes: Lakes formed in volcanic craters. 
Top 10 Largest Lakes in India 
The table below presents the list of the top 10 largest lakes in India, ranked in 
decreasing order of their covered area: 
S.No Lake State/UT 
1 Vembanad Lake Kerala 
2 Chilika Lake Odisha 
3 Shivaji Sagar Lake Maharashtra 
4 Indira Sagar Lake Madhya Pradesh 
5 Pangong Lake Ladakh 
6 Pulicat Lake Andhra Pradesh 
7 Sardar Sarovar Lake Gujarat 
8 Nagarjuna Sagar Lake Telangana 
9 Loktak Lake Manipur 
10 Wular Lake Jammu and Kashmir 
 
Page 3


Major Lakes of India 
 
 
 
Map: Lakes in India 
Introduction 
India, with its rich natural resources, is home to a remarkable array of lakes that 
enhance the country's scenic splendor. From expansive freshwater lakes to 
charming saltwater lakes, each state showcases its unique collection of these 
captivating water bodies. Lakes in India are not only renowned for their beauty 
but also play vital roles in sustaining ecosystems, providing resources for 
irrigation, serving as sources of drinking water, and supporting livelihoods. This 
article explores the diverse categories of lakes found in India and highlights some 
of the largest and most significant lakes across different states, showcasing the 
intrinsic connection between nature and human life. 
 
Major Lakes of India 
 
 
Categories of Lakes in India 
Lakes in India can be classified into several categories based on their unique 
characteristics. These categories include: 
? Freshwater Lakes: Lakes that primarily contain fresh water. 
? Saltwater Lakes: Lakes with a high concentration of salt, also known as 
saline lakes. 
? Natural Lakes: Lakes formed naturally by geological processes. 
? Oxbow Lakes: Curved lakes formed when a river changes its course. 
? Artificial Lakes: Man-made lakes created for various purposes, such as 
irrigation or water supply. 
? Crater Lakes: Lakes formed in volcanic craters. 
Top 10 Largest Lakes in India 
The table below presents the list of the top 10 largest lakes in India, ranked in 
decreasing order of their covered area: 
S.No Lake State/UT 
1 Vembanad Lake Kerala 
2 Chilika Lake Odisha 
3 Shivaji Sagar Lake Maharashtra 
4 Indira Sagar Lake Madhya Pradesh 
5 Pangong Lake Ladakh 
6 Pulicat Lake Andhra Pradesh 
7 Sardar Sarovar Lake Gujarat 
8 Nagarjuna Sagar Lake Telangana 
9 Loktak Lake Manipur 
10 Wular Lake Jammu and Kashmir 
 
Major Lakes of India 
 
 
Explore the Important Lakes of India 
India boasts a myriad of captivating lakes, each offering its unique charm. Here is 
a comprehensive list of some noteworthy lakes across different states and union 
territories of India: 
Lake State/UT 
Pulicat Lake Andhra Pradesh 
Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh 
Haflong Lake Assam 
Deepor Beel Assam 
Chandubi Lake Assam 
Kanwar Lake Bihar 
Hamirsar Lake Gujarat 
Kankaria Lake Gujarat 
Badkhal Lake Haryana 
Brahma Sarovar Haryana 
Chandra Taal Himachal Pradesh 
Maharana Pratap Sagar Himachal Pradesh 
Dal Lake Jammu and Kashmir 
Wular Lake Jammu and Kashmir 
Agara Lake Karnataka 
Ulsoor Lake Karnataka 
Kuttanad Lake Kerala 
Sasthamkotta Kerala 
Bhojtal Madhya Pradesh 
Shivsagar Maharashtra 
Loktak Lake Manipur 
Umiam Lake Meghalaya 
Tam Dil Mizoram 
Chilika Lake Odisha 
Harike Punjab 
Kanjli Punjab 
Sambhar Lake Rajasthan 
Tsomgo Lake Sikkim 
Chembarambakkam Tamil Nadu 
Page 4


Major Lakes of India 
 
 
 
Map: Lakes in India 
Introduction 
India, with its rich natural resources, is home to a remarkable array of lakes that 
enhance the country's scenic splendor. From expansive freshwater lakes to 
charming saltwater lakes, each state showcases its unique collection of these 
captivating water bodies. Lakes in India are not only renowned for their beauty 
but also play vital roles in sustaining ecosystems, providing resources for 
irrigation, serving as sources of drinking water, and supporting livelihoods. This 
article explores the diverse categories of lakes found in India and highlights some 
of the largest and most significant lakes across different states, showcasing the 
intrinsic connection between nature and human life. 
 
Major Lakes of India 
 
 
Categories of Lakes in India 
Lakes in India can be classified into several categories based on their unique 
characteristics. These categories include: 
? Freshwater Lakes: Lakes that primarily contain fresh water. 
? Saltwater Lakes: Lakes with a high concentration of salt, also known as 
saline lakes. 
? Natural Lakes: Lakes formed naturally by geological processes. 
? Oxbow Lakes: Curved lakes formed when a river changes its course. 
? Artificial Lakes: Man-made lakes created for various purposes, such as 
irrigation or water supply. 
? Crater Lakes: Lakes formed in volcanic craters. 
Top 10 Largest Lakes in India 
The table below presents the list of the top 10 largest lakes in India, ranked in 
decreasing order of their covered area: 
S.No Lake State/UT 
1 Vembanad Lake Kerala 
2 Chilika Lake Odisha 
3 Shivaji Sagar Lake Maharashtra 
4 Indira Sagar Lake Madhya Pradesh 
5 Pangong Lake Ladakh 
6 Pulicat Lake Andhra Pradesh 
7 Sardar Sarovar Lake Gujarat 
8 Nagarjuna Sagar Lake Telangana 
9 Loktak Lake Manipur 
10 Wular Lake Jammu and Kashmir 
 
Major Lakes of India 
 
 
Explore the Important Lakes of India 
India boasts a myriad of captivating lakes, each offering its unique charm. Here is 
a comprehensive list of some noteworthy lakes across different states and union 
territories of India: 
Lake State/UT 
Pulicat Lake Andhra Pradesh 
Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh 
Haflong Lake Assam 
Deepor Beel Assam 
Chandubi Lake Assam 
Kanwar Lake Bihar 
Hamirsar Lake Gujarat 
Kankaria Lake Gujarat 
Badkhal Lake Haryana 
Brahma Sarovar Haryana 
Chandra Taal Himachal Pradesh 
Maharana Pratap Sagar Himachal Pradesh 
Dal Lake Jammu and Kashmir 
Wular Lake Jammu and Kashmir 
Agara Lake Karnataka 
Ulsoor Lake Karnataka 
Kuttanad Lake Kerala 
Sasthamkotta Kerala 
Bhojtal Madhya Pradesh 
Shivsagar Maharashtra 
Loktak Lake Manipur 
Umiam Lake Meghalaya 
Tam Dil Mizoram 
Chilika Lake Odisha 
Harike Punjab 
Kanjli Punjab 
Sambhar Lake Rajasthan 
Tsomgo Lake Sikkim 
Chembarambakkam Tamil Nadu 
Major Lakes of India 
 
 
Hussain Sagar Telangana 
Govind Bhallabh Pant Sagar Uttar Pradesh 
Belasagar Uttar Pradesh 
Bhimtal Uttarakhand 
Kaliveli Tamil Nadu 
 
Lakes in India: Applications and Significance 
Beyond their role as symbols of natural beauty, lakes in India serve multiple 
practical purposes for the inhabitants. Some of the key applications of lakes in 
India are: 
? Irrigation: Lakes act as vital sources of water for agricultural activities, 
ensuring the prosperity of the farming community. 
? Drinking-Water: Many lakes provide a source of freshwater for human 
consumption, catering to the basic needs of local communities. 
? Navigation: Lakes with navigable waterways facilitate transportation and 
trade, fostering economic growth in the surrounding areas. 
? Livelihood: The presence of lakes creates opportunities for fishing and 
other related industries, supporting the livelihoods of numerous 
individuals. 
Conclusion 
In conclusion, India's lakes are a testament to the country's diverse natural beauty 
and play a crucial role in its ecological and socio-economic fabric. From the largest 
lakes that mesmerize with their vast expanses to the lesser-known gems scattered 
across different states, each lake has its own allure and significance. As aspirants 
preparing for the UPSC exam, understanding the important lakes of India is not 
only essential for acing the static GK section but also for appreciating the 
environmental, cultural, and economic importance of these water bodies.