Indian Geography: River Systems (Drainage)

The Indian drainage system is broadly divided into the Himalayan Rivers (perennial) and the Peninsular Rivers (seasonal), determined by their source and flow characteristics.

The Himalayan Rivers

• The Indus: Originates near Mansarovar Lake; its main tributaries are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj.
• The Ganga: Formed by the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi at Devprayag. It is the longest river in India.
• The Brahmaputra: Known as Tsangpo in Tibet; enters India through Arunachal Pradesh as the Dihang.

The Peninsular Rivers

• East Flowing: Mahanadi, Godavari (Dakshin Ganga), Krishna, and Kaveri; they drain into the Bay of Bengal forming deltas.
• West Flowing: Narmada and Tapi; they flow through rift valleys and drain into the Arabian Sea forming estuaries.
• Majuli: Located in the Brahmaputra, it is the world’s largest inhabited riverine island.

Question for you: Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” due to its frequent course changes and devastating floods?

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