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Indus River is also known as the Indus River. The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in the world. The length of Indus river is about 3200 km, and the total drainage is about 450000 square miles. Indus River is the longest river in the Indian subcontinent, and in Asia, it is the seventh longest river. Indus River system is the Himalayan river system as 175000 square miles lie in the Himalayan ranges and foothills and also in the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges and rest in the plains of Pakistan.
Historical Significance of Indus River
Indus River has a rich historical significance. It was the birthplace of one of the oldest civilizations, The Indus Valley Civilization in 3300 BCE. This civilization made some good impact along the banks of the Indus and Indus river tributaries. Archaeologists discovered many things over there. Complex urban planning, advanced drainage system, trade network and many more.
Indus River Origin
The origin of the Sindhu River is in the Tibetan plateau near Mount Kailash. The Indus River flows through Ladakh in India, Gilgit- Baltistan and Pakistan before it enters the Arabian Sea near Karachi.
Sindhu River is made up of six perennial rivers- Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj and Beas.
Tributaries of Indus River
Sindhu River is the lifeline of many people living along their banks, as the water is used for all the essential needs. We have discussed the detailed information of Indus River tributaries below:
Indus river system tributaries includes: Zaskar(Ladakh), Chenab, Sutlej, Soan, Beas, Ravi, Dras, Suru, Jhelum, Kishanganaga, R Shyok, Gilgit
Jhelum
- Place of origin: Verinag spring (Pir Panjal Range)
- Indus river system tributaries: Kishanganga (right) Neelum Kunhar Poonch
- Multipurpose project: Mangla Dam Rasul Barrage
- States: Jammu and Kashmir
Chenab
- Place of origin: Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh : BaraLacha Pass
- Indus river system tributaries: Headward Tributaries: Chandra(Zozi La), Bhaga(Baracha La), R.Tavi
- Multipurpose project: Salal project Dulhasti Dam, Baglihar Dam Trimmu Barrage
- States: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh
Ravi
- Place of origin: Kullu hills, West to Rohtang Pass
- Indus river system tributaries: R. Soul(Valley: Rich Timber Trees Garden of Chamba), R. Budhil, R. Nai/Dhona Battle of the ten King was fought
- Multipurpose project: Ranjit Sagar Dam
- State: Jammu and Kashmir
Beas
- Place of origin: Near Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund- Himachal Pradesh
- Indus river system tributaries: Parbati created problems in Alexander’s Invasion of India, Beas River Tragedy- Floodgates of the Larji dam were opened
- Multipurpose project: Beas project, Pong dam, Pandoh dam
- State: Punjab and Haryana
Satluj
- Place of origin: Mansarovar – Rakas lakes enters India through Shipki La Pass
- Indus river system tributaries: T Spiti proposal to build a 214 kilometer long heavy freight canal, to be known as the Satluj- Yamuna link in India to connect the Satluj and Yamuna rivers
- Multipurpose project: Bhakra Nangal project, Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric plant, Neptha Jhakhari Dam
- States: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, North of the Vindhya Range, South of the Himalayas, East central Sulaiman Range in Pakistan
| River of India | |
| Kaveri River | Brahmaputra River |
| Narmada River | Hooghly River |
| Umngot River | Subarnarekha River |
| Kali Gandaki River (Nepal) | Teesta River |
| Mahi River | Tapti River |
Indus River Map
Indus River System
Before there was any civilisation, several river systems were present on the Indian subcontinent. The Indus River system comes under the most fertile region.
The Indus River system consists of Sindhu, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Satluj. These are the main tributaries of the Indus River. The name of our country is based upon the word “Indus”. Indus River flows through both India and Pakistan. In 1960, the Indus Water Treaty was signed for water sharing. Climate change is expected to have significant impacts on the hydrology of the upper Indus River
| Jammu and Kashmir | Indus, Jhelum, Chenab and Rabi |
| Himachal Pradesh | Chenab, Rani, Beas and Satluj flow with the Yamuna |
| Punjab | Rabi, Beas, Satluj and Chenab flow with Ghaggar |
Let’s discuss the rivers of India that form The Indus River System:
Indus River
The main river in The Indus River System is the Indus. Its origin is from the glaciers of the Kailash Range near Mansarovar Lake. Out of the total length which is 2800 km, only 710 km is in India (Jammu and Kashmir). The rest is in Pakistan and Tibet.
Jhelum River
Jhelum River is also an important river of The Indus River System. There are different names for the Indus River. Vitusta in Rigveda, Hydapses in Greek and Veth in Kashmir. The origin of the Jhelum River is the Chashma Verinag glacier. Before joining the Chenab River in Pakistan, the distance covered by the Jhelum River is 720 km. It flows in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chenab River
Chenab River is also known as Asskini Chandrabhaga as this river combines two rivers Chandra and Bhaga. Before merging with the Indus River, it flows through Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Baralacha La Pass is the main source of water.
Ravi River
Ravi River is also known as Iravati, “The river of Lahore”. Origin is near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. Ravi River flows through Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh for about 720 km and merges in Chenab River in Pakistan.
Beas River
The origin of the Beas River is Beas Kund in Rohtang La Pass in Himachal Pradesh. It covers a distance of 470 km and merges with the Satluj River in Punjab. Beas River flows through Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Beas River is in India completely.
Satluj River
Satluj River is the longest River of The Indus River System. Origin of the Satluj River is Rakkas Lake in Tibet. It enters India through Shipki La Pass. It flows through the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and enters in Pakistan to merge with the Chenab River. Out of the total length 1450 km, 1050 lies in India.
Importance of the Indus River
There is importance of Indus River from ver early civilization. Water is provided to humans from this river. It is still important as used for many activities, fishing, farming, trade and transportation.
Indus River: Hydropower Potential
Indus River has substantial Hydropower Potential. Many Hydroelectric projects and dams are constructed along rivers to produce electricity. This electricity is provided to industries and households. In Pakistan, the Tarbela Dam and Mangla Dam are constructed to generate power.
FAQs on Indus River
Which Indian states have Indus River System?
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, some portions of Rajasthan, Haryana and Union Territory Chandigarh.
What is the total area of Indus River?
The total area of Indus River system is 11,65000. In India it's area is 321248 sq. km. Indus River originates from Himalayan Range in Tibet and flows through India, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
What is Indus River called in India?
In India, the Indus River is often referred to as the Sindhu River.
Why is the Indus River important to India?
The Indus River is crucial for its irrigation, supporting agriculture, and sustaining diverse ecosystems, deeply influencing the culture and economy of the region.
Where do 5 rivers meet Indus?
The five rivers, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, collectively known as the Punjab (meaning Five Waters), meet the Indus in the Punjab region of Pakistan.
