Geography

Indian Rivers and Their Route Maps: Lifelines of the Nation

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Indian Rivers and Their Route Maps - Apedia
Geography
Indian Rivers and Their Route Maps: Lifelines of the Nation
Key Facts: Indian Rivers
Ganga

Starts at Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand) and ends at Bay of Bengal (West Bengal).

Yamuna

Originates from Yamunotri Glacier; joins Ganga at Prayagraj.

Brahmaputra

Flows from Tibet (as Tsangpo), enters India through Arunachal and Assam, merges into Bay of Bengal.

Godavari

Longest river in Peninsular India; flows east from Maharashtra to Andhra Pradesh.

Narmada

Flows westward into Arabian Sea; forms a rift valley between Vindhya and Satpura ranges.

Indian Rivers and Their Routes

Introduction

Rivers are the lifeblood of civilizations. In India, they are sacred, resourceful, and essential for agriculture, transport, and water supply. Understanding their route maps offers insights into regional development and natural flow systems.

1. Himalayan Rivers

  • Ganga River: Originates from Gangotri Glacier → Uttarakhand → Uttar Pradesh → Bihar → West Bengal → Bay of Bengal.
  • Yamuna River: Originates from Yamunotri → Uttarakhand → Delhi → Uttar Pradesh → joins Ganga at Prayagraj.
  • Brahmaputra River: Originates in Tibet → Arunachal Pradesh → Assam → Bangladesh → merges with Ganga delta.

2. Peninsular Rivers

  • Godavari River: Starts at Trimbak (Maharashtra) → Telangana → Andhra Pradesh → Bay of Bengal.
  • Krishna River: From Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) → Karnataka → Andhra Pradesh → Bay of Bengal.
  • Cauvery River: Originates at Talakaveri (Karnataka) → Tamil Nadu → Bay of Bengal.

3. West Flowing Rivers

  • Narmada River: Starts from Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh) → flows west → Arabian Sea.
  • Tapi River: Originates from Satpura (Madhya Pradesh) → Gujarat → Arabian Sea.
  • Mahi River: Flows from Madhya Pradesh → Rajasthan → Gujarat → Arabian Sea (forms zig-zag route).

4. Rivers of the Thar and Indo-Gangetic Plains

  • Sutlej, Beas, Ravi: Part of Indus system, flow through Punjab, Haryana → Pakistan.
  • Luni River: Originates in Rajasthan’s Aravalli → ends in Rann of Kutch (inland drainage).

Conclusion

Indian rivers carve out the geography of the subcontinent, shaping lives, economy, and environment. From Himalayan giants to peninsular flow lines, their routes are vital in planning irrigation, hydropower, and disaster management.

Why do some rivers in India flow west?
Rivers like Narmada and Tapi flow west due to the geological structure of the rift valleys and the tilt of the land in central India.
Which Indian river covers the maximum number of states?
The Ganga river basin spreads across 11 states, making it the most expansive in terms of coverage.
How are Himalayan rivers different from peninsular rivers?
Himalayan rivers are perennial, snow-fed, and form large deltas; peninsular rivers are seasonal and flow over hard rocks and plateaus.
What is an inland drainage river?
A river that doesn’t reach the sea but drains into lakes or evaporates, like the Luni River in Rajasthan, is called an inland drainage river.
Are river routes important for UPSC and State PSC?
Yes, understanding river origin, flow, and endpoints is crucial for geography sections in UPSC, State PSC, and SSC exams.
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