Major Rivers of India and Their Tributaries
India's river system is broadly classified into Himalayan Rivers and Peninsular Rivers . Rivers are the lifeline of agriculture, drinking water, hydroelectric power, transportation, and biodiversity. Questions on river systems frequently appear in UPSC Prelims and Mains.
Major Himalayan Rivers
| River | Important Tributaries |
|---|---|
| Ganga | Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Son |
| Yamuna | Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Sind |
| Brahmaputra | Dibang, Lohit, Subansiri, Manas |
| Indus | Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej |
Major Peninsular Rivers
| River | Important Tributaries |
|---|---|
| Godavari | Pranhita, Indravati, Manjira, Sabari |
| Krishna | Bhima, Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha |
| Narmada | Tawa, Hiran, Orsang |
| Tapi | Purna, Girna, Panjhra |
| Mahanadi | Seonath, Hasdeo, Ib, Ong |
| Kaveri | Hemavati, Kabini, Bhavani, Amaravati |
UPSC Prelims Facts
- Ganga is India's longest river within the country.
- Brahmaputra enters India through Arunachal Pradesh.
- Narmada and Tapi flow westward into the Arabian Sea.
- Godavari is known as the Dakshin Ganga (Ganga of the South) .
Mains Relevance
GS Paper I – Indian Geography, Water Resources, River Basin Management, and Environmental Conservation.
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