Major Rivers of India: Origins, Tributaries & Their Importance
Discover the major rivers of India, their origins, tributaries, and importance in agriculture, culture, and the economy. Indian rivers list, Ganga river, Brahmaputra river, Godavari river..
Importance of Rivers in India
- Agricultural Backbone: Rivers form fertile plains and supply water for crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
- Drinking Water & Domestic Use: Primary source of freshwater for millions.
- Hydropower Production: Dams along rivers generate renewable energy.
- Cultural & Spiritual Value: Many rivers are worshipped and feature in Indian festivals.
- Economic Growth: Rivers aid in fishing, transport, and tourism.
| River | Length (km) | States |
| Indus | 3,180 | Ladakh, Gujarat |
| Brahmaputra | Around 2,900 km (916 km in India) | Arunachal Pradesh, Assam |
| Ganges | 2,525 | Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal |
| Godavari | 1,465 | Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh |
| Sutlej | 1,450 | Himachal Pradesh, Punjab |
| Krishna | 1,400 | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh |
| Yamuna | 1,376 | Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi |
| Narmada | 1,312 | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat |
| Ghagara | 1,080 | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar |
| Chambal | 1,024 | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Mahanadi | 858 | Chhattisgarh, Odisha |
| Chenab | 890 | Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Kaveri | 800 | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu |
| Sone | 784 | Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar |
| Jhelum | 729 | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Ravi | 720 | Himachal Pradesh, Punjab |
| Kosi | 720 | Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar |
1. Ganga River
- Origin: Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
- Length: Around 2,525 km
- States Flowing Through: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
- Major Tributaries: Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Son
- Highlights:
The Ganga is considered the holiest river in India and sustains the fertile Gangetic plains, which are vital for agriculture. Millions depend on it for drinking water, irrigation, and rituals like the Ganga Aarti.
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2. Yamuna River
- Origin: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
- Length: Approx. 1,376 km
- States Flowing Through: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
- Major Tributaries: Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Sindh
- Highlights:
The Yamuna is the largest tributary of the Ganga. It passes through Delhi, providing water for agriculture and domestic needs. It is also spiritually significant due to its association with Lord Krishna in Mathura and Vrindavan.
3. Brahmaputra River
- Origin: Angsi Glacier, Tibet (called Tsangpo in Tibet)
- Length: Around 2,900 km (916 km in India)
- States Flowing Through: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam
- Major Tributaries: Subansiri, Dibang, Lohit
- Highlights:
The Brahmaputra is one of the largest rivers by volume. Its seasonal floods enrich the Assam plains, and it forms the Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island.
4. Godavari River
- Origin: Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
- Length: Around 1,465 km
- States Flowing Through: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha
- Major Tributaries: Manjira, Indravati, Sabari
- Highlights:
Known as the Dakshina Ganga (Ganga of the South), the Godavari supports irrigation, agriculture, and multiple hydropower projects in the Deccan Plateau.
5. Krishna River
- Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
- Length: Around 1,400 km
- States Flowing Through: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
- Major Tributaries: Bhima, Tungabhadra, Musi
- Highlights:
The Krishna River irrigates vast farmlands and hosts Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, one of India’s largest. It is vital for agriculture in southern India.
6. Narmada River
- Origin: Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh
- Length: Approx. 1,312 km
- States Flowing Through: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
- Major Tributaries: Tawa, Hiran, Banjar
- Highlights:
Flowing westward to the Arabian Sea, the Narmada forms the scenic marble rocks of Bhedaghat and supports hydropower projects like the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
7. Mahanadi River
- Origin: Sihawa Hills, Chhattisgarh
- Length: Around 858 km
- States Flowing Through: Chhattisgarh, Odisha
- Major Tributaries: Seonath, Hasdeo, Ib
- Highlights:
The Mahanadi is famous for the Hirakud Dam, which provides irrigation and power to Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
8. Kaveri (Cauvery) River
- Origin: Talakaveri, Karnataka
- Length: Around 800 km
- States Flowing Through: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Major Tributaries: Hemavati, Kabini, Bhavani
- Highlights:
Known as the lifeline of southern India, the Kaveri creates fertile deltas in Tamil Nadu and sustains agriculture in the Cauvery Basin.