India is a land blessed with an intricate network of rivers that crisscross its vast expanse, contributing significantly to its geographical and cultural tapestry. These rivers have played an essential role in shaping the history, culture, and socio-economic aspects of the nation. Among the numerous rivers that flow through India, several stand out for their sheer length and significance.
River | Length (km) | States |
---|---|---|
Ganges | 2,525 | Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal |
Godavari | 1,465 | Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh |
Yamuna | 1,376 | Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi |
Brahmaputra | 2,900 | Tibet (China), Arunachal Pradesh, Assam |
Krishna | 1,400 | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh |
Narmada | 1,312 | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat |
Tapti | 724 | Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat |
Mahanadi | 858 | Chhattisgarh, Odisha |
Sabarmati | 371 | Rajasthan, Gujarat |
Indus | 3,180 | Ladakh (India), Pakistan |
Tungabhadra | 531 | Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh |
Kaveri | 805 | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu |
Luni | 495 | Rajasthan |
Ghaggar-Hakra | Variable | Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan |
Betwa | 590 | Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh |
The Ganges, often regarded as the holiest river in Hinduism, originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh and emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges spans an impressive length of approximately 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles). This river holds immense cultural significance for Hindus, and its banks host some of the most sacred cities, including Varanasi and Haridwar.
Length: 2,525 kilometers
States: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal
Significance: The Ganges, often referred to as the Ganga, holds immense cultural and religious significance in India. It is considered sacred by Hindus and is the lifeline for millions of people who depend on it for water, irrigation, and sustenance. The river has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations and is associated with numerous myths and legends.
FAQs:
A: The Ganges originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
A: The Ganges is believed to cleanse one's sins and is an important destination for pilgrimages and ritual bathing.
A: Varanasi (also known as Kashi) is one of the most prominent cities situated on the banks of the Ganges.
The Yamuna, a tributary of the Ganges, originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. It flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The river covers a distance of about 1,376 kilometers (855 miles) before merging with the Ganges at Allahabad (Prayagraj). The Yamuna has played a vital role in the history of the Indian subcontinent and is associated with various mythological stories.
Length: 1,376 kilometers
States: Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana
Significance: The Yamuna is a major tributary of the Ganges and flows through some of India's most populous cities. It provides water for irrigation, industry, and domestic use, but it also faces pollution challenges due to urbanization and industrialization.
FAQs:
A: The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located on the banks of the Yamuna.
A: The discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents into the Yamuna has led to severe pollution, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems.
A: The Yamuna Action Plan is a series of initiatives aimed at reducing pollution in the Yamuna and restoring its water quality.
Originating in Tibet, the Brahmaputra flows through the northeastern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It also traverses through the international borders of Bhutan and Bangladesh before eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra's length within India is approximately 916 kilometers (569 miles), while its total length, including its Tibetan and Bangladeshi stretches, is much longer. The river is a lifeline for the people of Assam and has played a crucial role in their lives, shaping their culture and economy.
Length: 2,900 kilometers
States: Tibet (China), Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
Significance: The Brahmaputra is one of the major rivers in the world and is known for its turbulent course through the Himalayas and its vast delta in Bangladesh. It is a lifeline for Assam and provides water for irrigation and transportation.
FAQs:
A: The Brahmaputra is fed by the glaciers of the Tibetan plateau, primarily the Angsi Glacier.
A: The Brahmaputra's frequent flooding deposits fertile soil on its banks, making the region agriculturally productive.
A: The Brahmaputra Delta is known for its rich biodiversity and supports various ecosystems, including mangroves.
The Godavari, India's second-longest river, originates from the Trimbak Hills in Maharashtra. It flows through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river's length is approximately 1,465 kilometers (910 miles). The Godavari holds immense cultural importance, and its basin is known as the "Rice Granary of India" due to its fertile lands.
Length: 1,465 kilometers
States: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha
Significance: The Godavari is the second-longest river in India and is often referred to as the "Dakshin Ganga" (South Ganga). It plays a crucial role in the irrigation of agricultural lands in its basin. The Godavari Delta is known for its fertile soils and is a major rice-producing region.
FAQs:
A: The Godavari River's water is used for irrigation, making it a lifeline for agriculture in its basin.
A: Nashik, one of the four Kumbh Mela hosting cities, is located on the banks of the Godavari.
A: The Papi Kondalu range is a scenic hill range through which the Godavari flows, creating breathtaking landscapes.
Originating from the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, the Krishna River flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Its total length is about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). The Krishna River has been instrumental in shaping the historical and cultural landscape of the Deccan region.
Length: 1,400 kilometers
States: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Significance: The Krishna River is an important source of irrigation water, and its basin is agriculturally productive. The river also has a significant role in the generation of hydroelectric power.
FAQs:
A: The Srisailam Dam, situated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is one of the largest dams built across the Krishna.
A: The river supports agriculture, industries, and power generation, contributing significantly to the local economy.
A: The Krishna originates in the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra.
The Narmada River, originating from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The Narmada's length is around 1,312 kilometers (815 miles). It holds significant cultural and religious importance and is often referred to as the "Life Line of Gujarat."
Length: 1,312 kilometers
States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
Significance: The Narmada River is revered as a sacred river and has significant economic value. The Narmada Valley Project has led to the development of irrigation and hydroelectric power in the region.
FAQs:
A: The Narmada Bachao Andolan is a social movement aimed at raising awareness about the environmental and social impacts of large dams on the Narmada River.
A: The Dhuandhar Waterfall in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is a famous waterfall on the Narmada.
A: The Sardar Sarovar Dam has led to controversies over its impact on downstream ecosystems and local communities.
Though primarily associated with Pakistan, the Indus River also flows through the Ladakh region of India. Originating in Tibet, it enters India through Ladakh and flows through the region before continuing into Pakistan. The Indus has a total length of approximately 3,180 kilometers (1,976 miles), with its Indian portion being relatively smaller. The river has historical significance and was central to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's earliest urban cultures.
Length: 3,180 kilometers
States: Tibet (China), Jammu and Kashmir
Significance: The Indus River is one of the longest in Asia and is vital for the region's irrigation, agriculture, and economy. It is historically significant, as it gave rise to the Indus Valley Civilization.
FAQs:
A: The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's oldest urban civilizations, developed along the Indus River.
A: The Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, governs the sharing of the Indus River's waters between the two countries.
A: The Indus River faces challenges such as pollution, over-extraction of water, and the impact of climate change.
The Mahanadi River begins its journey in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Its length is about 858 kilometers (533 miles). The Mahanadi basin has supported ancient and medieval civilizations and continues to be essential for the region's agricultural and economic activities.
Length: 858 kilometers
States: Chhattisgarh, Odisha
Significance: The Mahanadi River is an important source of water for irrigation and industry in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It supports agriculture and is essential for the livelihoods of many communities.
FAQs:
A: The Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River in Odisha and is one of the longest major earthen dams in the world.
A: The Mahanadi Delta supports agriculture, fisheries, and provides a crucial buffer against cyclones.
A: Pollution, sedimentation, and water management issues are some challenges impacting the Mahanadi's ecosystem.
Originating in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh, the Tapti River flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat before entering the Arabian Sea. The river's length is approximately 724 kilometers (450 miles). The Tapti has been a lifeline for the region, providing water for irrigation and other purposes.
Length: 724 kilometers
States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
Significance: The Tapi River, also known as the Tapti, flows through central India and contributes to the region's irrigation and agriculture. It is associated with historical and cultural significance.
FAQs:
A: The Tapi River originates in the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh.
A: Surat, one of Gujarat's major cities, is situated near the Tapi River's estuary.
A: Industrial pollution has affected the Tapi River's water quality, posing challenges for both the environment and human health.
The Son River, originating in the Amarkantak Plateau of Madhya Pradesh, flows through Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh before merging with the Ganges. Its length is about 784 kilometers (487 miles). The Son River has historical and cultural significance, with numerous myths and legends associated with it.
UPCET Exam
Click Here
SAAT Exam
Click Here
MHT CET Exam
Click Here
IPU CET Exam
Click Here
KCET Exam
Click Here
COMEDK UG Exam
Click Here
VITEEE Exam
Click Here
BITSAT
Click Here
DSAT: Dayanand Sagar Admission Test
Click Here
Career In Animation in india
Click Here
Merchant Navy Courses in india
Click Here
Interior Design Career in india
Click Here
UGC NET Exam
Click Here
B. Ed Exam
Click Here
AFCAT - Air Force Common Admission Test
Click Here
GATE Exam
Click Here
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
Click Here
Common Admission Test (CAT)
Click Here
CDS - Combined Defence Services Exam
Click Here