Rivers of India and their main Tributaries
Rivers on the basis of the direction of discharge
The major rivers of India can be divided on the basis of the direction of flowing or discharge of water:
- Discharges into the Arabian Sea: Narmada, Tapi, Sindhu, Sabarmati, Mahi, Purna
- Discharges into the Bay of Bengal: Brahmaputra, Yamuna, Ganga (and tributaries), Meghna, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna (and tributaries), and Kaveri.
Rivers on the Basis of Sources
On the basis of sources, the Indian rivers can be classified as Himalayan Rivers and Peninsular Rivers.
Himalayan Rivers system: The Himalayan Rivers are formed by melting snow and glaciers and therefore, continuously flow throughout the year. During the monsoon months, the Himalayas receive very heavy rainfall and rivers swell, causing frequent floods. The Himalayan river system mainly includes the revers systems:
West flowing peninsular Rivers:
- Narmada
- Tapti
- Sabarmati
- Mahi
Important Rivers and Their Main Tributaries
The list of rivers of India and their main tributaries are given in the table below:
| List of Major Rivers with Their Tributaries on Left and Right Bank |
||
| River | Left Bank Tributary | Right Bank Tributary |
| Brahmaputra
Originates from the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near Mansarovar Lake (Tibet) Discharge: After merging with river Padma it falls into the Bay of Bengal |
Subansiri, Manas | Lohit, Dihang, Dhansiri, Kalang |
| Ganga
Originates from Gangotri Glacier near Gaumukh in Uttarkashi district Uttarakhand Discharge: Bay of Bengal |
Alaknanda, Ramganga, Gomati, Kali (sarda), Sarju, Rapti, Ghagra (karnali), Gandak, Trishuli, Burhi Gandak, Baghmati, Kosi, mahananda | Yamuna, Sone, Rihand, Ajay, Punpun, Phalgu, Damodar, Rupnarayan, Silai, Haldi |
GodavariThe largest Peninsular river system Rises from Trimbak Plateau near Nasik, Maharashtra Godavari is 2nd largest river in India after the Ganga. This river is also known as Dakshin Ganga. The total length of Godavari is approx 1,465 km. Its basin is surrounded by Satmala hills in the North, the Ajanta range, and Mahadev hills in the South, the Eastern Ghats in the east, and the Western Ghats in the West. Godavari River flows through three states i.e. Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Discharge: Bay of Bengal Project on Godavari:
|
Sabarmati, Indravati, Pranhita, wainganga, Penganga, Wardha, purna, and Dudhana | Darna, Pravara, Manjira, Tirna, Manar, Kirnarasani |
| Indus (Sindhu)
One of the largest river basins in the world Westernmost Himalayan river of India Originates from a glacier in the Kailash range close to Mansarovar Lake Discharge: Arabian Sea |
Zaskar, Suru, Dras, Krishanganga, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Satluj | Shyok, Nubra, Gilgit ect. |
| Kaveri
Rises from(Taal Kaveri) Brahmagiri hills, Karnataka |
Herangi, Hemavati, Lokpavni, Shimsha, etc | Lakshmantirtha, Kabani, Suvarnavati, Bhavani, And Amravati |
| Krishna
East flowing river, rises near Mahabaleshwar in Sahyadri |
Muneru, Musi, Hallia, Bhima, Panchganga, Dudhganga | Koyna, Malprabha, Ghataprabha, Tungabhadra |
| Luni
The largest river of Rajasthan, Origin from Pushkar |
Bundi, Sukri, Jawai, Suleri | …… |
| Mahanadi
Originates from Dandakaranya, near Shiwa, Raipur district Chhattisgarh Discharge- Bay of Bengal Click here to read more: |
Mand, Hasdeo, Jawai, Sheonath | Ong, Jonk, Tel |
| Narmada
Originates from Amarkantak Plateau Discharge: Arabian Sea |
Bruhner, Banjar, Shar, Shakkar, Tawa and Kundi | Hiran, Kolar |
| Satluj
Origin: Rakas lake near Mansaror |
Parechhu, Spiti, Beas | |
| Tapi
Westward flowing river Origin: Multi in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh |
Sipra, Kapra, Khurshi, Mona, Purna, Girna, Panjhara | Betul, Patki, Suki, More, Arunavati Gomati |
| Yamuna
Source: Yamunotri Glacier on the western slope of the Banderpunch range |
Tons, Hindan | Chambal Banas, Sind, Betwa, Dhansan, Ken |
Length of major rivers of India
Rivers of India and their main Tributaries
Reference: Indian and World Geography – Majid Hussain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_major_rivers_of_India
You can also read:
- List of Important Glaciers of Himalayan Mountain
- List of main volcanoes in the world
- List of Mountain Passes in India
- Indus river system
- Ganga river system
Thank You 🙂
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