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List of Rivers in India, Their Importance, Origin, Lengths, and More
Sudeshna Paul
Updated on 12th July, 2024 , 3 min read
India has a vast network of rivers flowing across many states in the country. These waterways not only shape the geography but also play an essential role in India’s history and civilization. This is evident from the fact that rivers in India have always been connected to cultures and traditions.
The list of rivers in India starts from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north and ends at the tropical shores of the south. These expansive river stretches are lifelines to the country that sustain ecosystems, agriculture, and countless communities. India’s rivers also contribute to biodiversity by serving as habitats for a wide range of plants and animals.
This article aims to track these diverse water bodies. For instance, the sacred Ganges, are revered for their spiritual significance that attracts millions of pilgrims each year, the Brahmaputra is essential for irrigation and transportation that supports livelihoods along their banks.
Rivers in India
While some Indian rivers flow westward toward the Arabian Sea, many flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal. Certain rivers have internal drainage and do not empty into the Sea in areas like the Thar Desert, portions of Ladakh, and the northern Aravalli range. The Western Ghats, the Vindhya and Satpura mountains, the Himalayas and Karakoram range, and the Chhota Nagpur plateau are the three main river basins in India.
Relevance of Rivers for Competitive Exams
Questioning candidates about Rivers in India is one of the most asked topics in competitive exams (as per the latest trends) conducted throughout the country. It is therefore relevant to learn about the list of rivers in India to not miss out on such questions.
The reasons are as follows:
- Rivers have been essential parts of Indian civilization for ages.
- The rivers have a significant role in the development of physical, natural, and socioeconomic environments.
- They (tributaries, routes, and names) are crucial for Indian geography.
These concepts are especially important if a candidate is preparing for defense tests like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CISF, CRPF, Indian Army Agniveer, Airforce, MNS Recruitment, and Territorial Army, among others.
List of Major Rivers in India
| Name of River | Total Length of the River | Length in India |
| Indus | 3180 km | 1114 km |
| Ganga | 2510 km | 2510 km |
| Yamuna | 1376 km | 1376 km |
| Narmada | 1312 km | 1312 km |
| Brahmaputra | 2900 km | 1800 km |
| Godavari | 1465 km | 1465 km |
| Krishna | 1400 km | 1400 km |
| Kaveri | 805 km | 805 km |
| Tapi | 724 km | 724 km |
| Mahanadi | 851 km | 851 km |
List of Rivers in India, Lengths, Origins, and Tributaries
| Rivers | Origin | Length | End |
| Ganga | Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand | 2510 km | Bay of Bengal |
| Yamuna | Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand | 1376 km | Merges with Ganga (Triveni Sangam) |
| Brahmaputra | Himalayan Glacier, Tibet Enters India in Arunachal Pradesh | 1800 km | Merged with Ganga and ends in Bay of Bengal |
| Chambal | Tributary of Yamuna, Madhya Pradesh | 960 km | Merges with Yamuna |
| Gandak | Originates in Nepal Enters India in Indo-Nepal Border | 630 km | Merges with Ganga in Patna |
| Gomti | Tributary of Ganga, Uttar Pradesh | 900 km | Merges with Ganga in Varanasi |
| Hoogly | Tributary of Ganga, West Bengal | 260 km | Merges with Ganga at Bay of Bengal |
| Damodar | Tributary of Hoogly, Jharkhand | 592 km | Merges with Hoogly |
| Mahananda | Paglajhora falls, Darjeeling | 360 km | Merges with Ganga |
| Alaknanda | Bhagirathi-Kharak Glacier | 190 km | Merges with Ganga in Devprayag, Uttarakhand |
| Baghirathi | Gaumukh, Uttarakhand | 205 km | Merges with Ganga in Devprayag, Uttarakhand |
| Indus | Originates in Tibet Enters India in J&K | 3180 km | Merges in Arabian Sea near Sindh |
| Chenab | Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh | 960 km | Merges with Indus |
| Jhelum | Tributary of Chenab, Punjab | 725 km | Merges with Chenab |
| Ravi | Bara Bhangal, Himachal Pradesh | 720 km | Merges with Chenab |
| Beas | Himalayas | 470 km | Merges with Sutlej in Punjab |
| Sutlej | Tributary of Indus River | 1500 km | Merges with Beas and ends in Arabian Sea |
| Parvati | Mantalai Glacier | - | Merges with Beas in Himachal Pradesh |
| Kaveri | Talakaveri in Western Ghats, Karnataka | 765 km | Bay of Bengal |
| Krishna | Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra | 1400 km | Bay of Bengal through Andhra Pradesh |
| Godavari | Maharashtra | 1465 km | Bay of Bengal |
| Narmada | Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh | 1315 km | Arabian Sea |
| Sabarmati | Aravalli Range, near Udaipur, Rajasthan | 371 km | Gulf of Khambhat |
| Kolab | Sinkaran Hills, Koraput, Odisha | 200 km | Merges with Godavari |
| Tungabhadra | Tributary of Krishna River | 531 km | Merges with Krishna in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Border |
Other Important Rivers in India
- Ulhas (Rajmachi Hills)
- Mandovi (Bhimgad, Karnataka)
- Netravati (Chikmagalur, Karnataka)
- Sharavati (Western Ghats, Karnataka)
- Periyar (Sivagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu)
- Pamba (Paluchimalai Hills, Wester Ghats)
- Chaliyar(Elambareli Hills, Western Ghats)
- Betwa (Tributary of Yamuna, MP)
- Son (Tributary of Ganga, Amarkantak)
- Kosi (Indo-Nepal Border)
- Tawa (Satpura Range, MP)
- Subarnarekha (near Ranchi, Jharkhand)
- Hemavati (Western Ghats, Karnataka)
- Amravati (Anamalai Hills)
- Sabari (Sinkaran Hills, Odisha)
- Tapti (Eastern Satpura Range, MP)
Longest Rivers of India
- Ganga
- Godavari
- Krishna
- Yamuna
- Narmada
- Indus
- Brahmaputra
- Mahanadi
- Kaveri
- Tapti
Ancient and New Names of Rivers in India
| Ancient Name | New Name |
| Vitastata | Jhelum |
| Askini | Chenab |
| Purushni | Ravi |
| Shatudri | Satluj |
| Vipasha | Beas |
| Sadanira | Gandak |
| Gomal | Gomti |
Importance of Indian Rivers
Rivers in India influence economies, cultures, civilizations, and landscapes. This marks the various importance of rivers as follows:
- Agriculture and Water Supply: Rivers are the main supply of freshwater that is primarily used in irrigation, thus supporting the food chain in agriculture. India's agriculture is highly dependent on river water for raising cattle and growing crops.
- Economic Lifelines: Trade and commerce have been made possible by rivers. Rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra continue to facilitate inland navigation, hence, improving connectivity and spurring economic growth in isolated regions.
- Ecological Diversity: A variety of plants and animals can be found in river ecosystems, which provide important habitats for biodiversity. River deltas, floodplains, and wetlands serve as natural purifiers that also serve as breeding sites for a variety of species.
- Cultural Significance: The rivers in India are significant religious centres and people in the country worship them. This is because some Indian rivers are considered sacred.
- Hydropower Generation: Rivers are a source of hydropower generation in the country. Energy is produced by building reservoirs and dams on rivers.
- Climate Regulation: Rivers affect the humidity and temperature of an area, which in turn regulates the local and regional climate. They also preserve the natural equilibrium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the longest river in India?
Ganga is the longest river in India. It crosses a stretch of 2510 km from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand to the Bay of Bengal.
Which is India's Holiest river?
The Ganges is considered the most sacred rive in India. It is the most well-known spot for Hindu pilgrimage and tirthas. The Ganga also has a rich cultural significance.
Why are Indian rivers considered sacred?
Rivers in India have great associations with numerous stories and legends (for example, the Ganga with Lord Shiva). In the Indian tradition, water has a special significance as the source of life and purity. This is the reason to consider rivers sacred in India.
Which is the second largest river in India?
Brahmaputra is the second largest river in India. It stretches across 1800 km from the Himalayan Glacier to the Bay of Bengal.
What are the five famous rivers in India?
The five famous rivers in India include- Indus, Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Godavari.
How many major river systems are there in India?
India has 8 major river systems. All other rivers are tributaries of these systems.