Rivers of India

The rivers of India play an important role in the lives of the people. Rivers provide energy, means of transportation, irrigation, and drinking water. India’s major cities are often situated along these rivers. Also, Hindus regard these rivers as holy as they play a significant role in Hindu Mythology.
The Indian River System comprises seven major rivers: Indus, Brahmaputra, Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, and numerous tributaries. The Bay of Bengal receives water from most rivers, while those in the western region flow into the Arabian Sea. Inland drainage exists in Ladakh, the northern Aravalli range, and the Thar Desert. The Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, Vindhya and Satpura mountains, and Western Ghats are primary sources for these major waterways.

List of 8 Major Rivers of India

Below is the list of 8 major rivers of india. Refer to the table below to know the length, origin and end of these 8 Major Rivers of India.

Rivers of India on Map

Himalayan Rivers of India

The primary Himalayan river systems include the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra river systems. They shape large basins and cut through the Himalayas, creating deep valleys with steep rock sides during the Himalayan uplift. These rivers actively erode the land as they are carrying substantial amounts of sand and silt upstream. As they reach the plains, they create features like meanders, flood plains, river cliffs, and levees through various depositional activities. These rivers are perennial because they are filled by rainfall and melting ice. They form extensive plains and are suitable for navigation. Additionally, these rivers are utilised for hydroelectricity generation in their upstream areas.

Below given is the information regarding the Himalayan Rivers of India.

Rivers of India: Peninsular Rivers

The main rivers in the peninsular region are the Narmada, the Tapi, the Godavari, the Krishna, the Kaveri, and the Mahanadi. These rivers flow through shallow valleys. Most of them are seasonal, meaning their flow depends on rainfall. Due to the gentler slope and hard rock bed, these rivers have lower erosion activities. Unlike the Himalayan rivers, the peninsular rivers do not meander significantly. They often have straight and linear courses. These rivers offer substantial opportunities for hydroelectric power generation.
Below are the information regarding the Peninsular Rivers of India.

Peninsular Rivers from East to West

Luni

• Originates Western Aravalli Range near Ajmer.
• Also known as Sabarmati.
• Flows through Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch.

Sabarmati

• It originates from Dhebar Lake in the Aravalli Range of Udaipur (Rajasthan).
• Flows through an estuary to the Arabian Sea.

Mahi

• Originates from the Vindhya range in Madhya Pradesh.
• Empties into the Gulf of Cambay.

Narmada

• Origin: Amarkantak, Shahdol, MP.
• Ends: the Arabian Sea via Estuary.
• Flow Route: MP – Bharuch (Gujarat) – Gulf of Khambat (Gujarat) – Arabian Sea via Estuary.
• Notable projects: Sardar Sarovar Dam, Maheshwar Dam, Indira Gandhi Sagar Dam.

Important Facts:

• Longest east-to-west flowing river.
• Known as the Lifeline of MP.
• Forms Duandhar falls at Jabalpur.
• The only tributary is the Hiran River.
• Aliabet is the largest island in the estuary.

Tawa

• Longest tributary of the Narmada.
• Rises in Betul, Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Range.

Tapi

• Place of Origin: Betul District, MP, Satpura Range, Mahadev Hills.
• Flow Route: MP to Maharashtra, Cambay to the Arabian Sea through Estuary, Gulf of Khambat.
• Notable constructions: Ukai Dam and Kakrapar Dam.

Periyar

• Rises from Kerala’s Western Ghats.
• Flows west and empties into the Arabian Sea via an estuary.

Peninsular Rivers from West to East

Mahanadi

• Flow routes: Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Eastern Ghats, Bay of Bengal.
• Famous project: Hirakud Dam.

Godavari

• Largest Peninsular River.
• Origin: Triambakeshwar Plateau, Nashik, Western Ghats.
• Flow Route: Nashik to Andhra Pradesh.
• Notable tributaries: Penganga, Sabri, Wardha, Indravati.
• Notable projects: Poochampad, Jayakwadi, Polavaram.

Penganga

Origin: Ajanta Hills in Maharashtra.

Tributary of River Wardha before joining Godavari.

Krishna

• Place of Origin: Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.
• Famous Projects: Koyna, Tungabhadra, Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
• Flow Route: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bay of Bengal.

Tungabhadra

• It is the main tributary of Krishna.
• Rises from the Western Ghats.

Bhima

• Rises from the Balaghat range in Maharashtra.
• Krishna tributary.

Kaveri

• Origin: Karnataka’s Brahamgiri Hills, Western Ghats.
• Perennial River.
• Flow Route: Karnataka, Kaveripatnam (Tamil Nadu), Bay of Bengal.
• Creates Shivasundaram Falls.
• Well-known projects: Krishnaraja Sagar, Mettur.

Penner

• Originates in Karnataka.
• Divided into the Krishna and Kaveri.
• Empties into the Bay of Bengal.

Vaigai

• Seasonal river flowing through Tamil Nadu.
• Originates in the Palani Hills.
• Drains in the Gulf of Mannar.

Rivers of India with States

Below given table provides details regarding the rivers and the states they are following. Check the table below to learn about the Rivers of India.

Rivers of India and Their Length

Below given table provides details about the Rivers of India and their length. Check the table for more information.

FAQs on Rivers of India

How many major rivers make up the Himalayan river systems in India?

The main Himalayan river systems consist of three major rivers: Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.

Which river is considered the Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh?

The Narmada River is often called the Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh in India.

What is the significance of the Triveni Sangam in Hindu mythology?

The Triveni Sangam is a sacred confluence of three rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—and is important in Hindu mythology.