Indian River

on

Indian River

The rivers in India can be classified into four groups based on their origin and topography: the Himalayan Rivers, Deccan Rivers, Coastal Rivers, and rivers of inland drainage basin. 

https://bharatpractice.blogspot.com/2024/05/post-independence-era.html

Indian River

https://bharatpractice.blogspot.com/2024/05/who-was-chanakya.html

Himalayan rivers mainly originate from snowmelt and glaciers, which accounts for their continuous flow all throughout the year. Heavy rainfall is experienced in the Himalayas during most months of the monsoon season causing these rivers to overflow and sometimes lead to floods. In contrast, Deccan rivers are rain-fed and thus experience fluctuations in volume; many are non-perennial. Most coastal streams particularly located along the West Coast are small-sized streams where water from any source is scarce meaning that they don’t flow every season; therefore many do not persist or exist all year round they dry up completely.

However, there are few streams with predominantly ephemeral nature found within western Rajasthan’s inland drainage basin.

Major Rivers of India

The Ganges (Ganga) River is one of the major rivers in India

  • Ganges (Ganga) River Origin: Gangotri Glacier, 
  • Uttarakhand Length: Approx. 2,525 km 
  • Significance: It is the most sacred river for Hindus and this river at last empties into the Bay of Bengal after flowing through the northern plains of India and then Bangladesh. It supports a large number of people in agriculture and plays an important role in many religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Yamuna River  
  • Origin: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand 
  • Length: Approx. 1,376 km 
  • Significance: It is a prominent tributary of the Ganges River that passes across many states, namely Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and joins it at Allahabad (Prayagraj). The Yamuna is solemnized and recognized as a historic place for Delhi and Agra.
Brahmaputra River 
  • Source: Angsi Glacier, 
  • Tibet Distance: Approx. 2900 km (in India, around 916 km)
  • Importance: Known for its strong current and irrigational, transportation, and power generation roles, the Brahmaputra flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. It is revered in Assam and has the largest river island in the world called Majuli.
The River Indus  
  • Source: Tibet's Highlands
  • Long: Approximately 3180 km (1114 km in India) 
  • Importance: The Indus Valley Civilization of antiquity was founded primarily on this river that crosses over China, India, and Pakistan. It sustains agriculture in the Punjab region apart from being crucial to the economy and culture within this landscape.
Godavari River, 
  • Source: Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra;
  • Approximate Length: 1,465 km
  • Importance: It is called ‘Dakshina Ganga’ or ‘Ganges of South,’ which flows from west to east on the Deccan Plateau into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari supports large irrigation schemes with many dams and canals built along its path.
Krishna River
  • Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 
  • Length: About 1,400 km 
  • Significance: The Krishna River originates in Maharashtra and ends in Andhra Pradesh, supporting agricultural activities in its rich delta plain. It also hosts important religious sites and festivals.
The River Narmada 
  • Source: Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh 
  • Extent: Around 1,312 kilometers long 
  • Importance: The Narmada flows towards the Arabian Sea to the west and is thus held as one of India’s holiest waters. It serves as a natural dividing line between North and South India while powering numerous hydroelectric schemes.
Kaveri (Cauvery) River 
  • Source: Talakaveri, Karnataka
  • Distance: About 800km 
  • Importance: The Kaveri runs through both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, serving as an important source of irrigation and drinking water for people living there. Over the centuries, it has also gained significance because of its cultural values that are evident in the many temples built on its banks.
Mahanadi River 
  • Source: Sihawa, Chhattisgarh 
  • Approximate Length: 858 km
  • Importance: The Mahanadi River has a huge delta and fertile land and it is known for that reason. The river flows through Odisha and Chhattishgarh to merge with the Bay of Bengal. On this river is Hirakud Dam which is also among the world’s longest dams thus helping in irrigation and preventing floods.
Tapti Stream 
  • Start point: Satpura Mountains, 
  • Madhya Pradesh Length: About 724 km
  • Importance: The Tapti River, which flows towards the west and empties into the Arabian Sea, runs beside river Narmada and is of great historical and cultural significance, with significant cities like Surat located along its banks
They are the foundation for Indian farming and social and religious customs; several are more or less focused on these sacred rituals – their faith’s core tenets.

Frequently Ask Questions

How many classifications have been made for rivers of India? 

Four classes of Indian rivers are the Himalayas rivers, the Deccan rivers, and the Coastal rivers and they are also from the inland drainage basins.

How are Himalayan rivers unique?

The frozen water from snow and glaciers melting into rivers during summer will ensure their persistence all year round. For instance, they often experience intense showers during monsoons respectively accounting for their perennial floods

In what ways do rivers in Deccan differ from the ones in the Himalayas?

The water level of these rivers is subject to change as they mainly depend on rain. However, most Deccan rivers are non-perennial and do not flow throughout the year.

What are coastal rivers and the characteristics accompanying them? 

Coastal rivers, especially on the west coast tend to be short in length and have limited catchment areas. The majority of coastal rivers are non-perennial

What are the characteristics of rivers that serve to drain the interior basins of Western Rajasthan? 

In western Rajasthan’s interior drainage basins, rivers are scanty and mostly ephemeral, which means they only flow for thirty days or so after a heavy downpour.

Comments

Post a Comment