Indian River Systems
Comprehensive analysis of Himalayan and Peninsular drainage systems, their tributaries, and geographical significance.
Himalayan Drainage System
The Himalayan rivers are perennial as they are fed by both melting glaciers and precipitation. The major systems are the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra.
Indus River System
Originates in Tibet (Bokhar Chu). Enters India in Ladakh.
- Left Bank: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (Panjnad)
- Right Bank: Shyok, Gilgit, Zaskar, Hunza
Ganga River System
Forms at Devprayag (confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda).
- Left Bank: Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi
- Right Bank: Yamuna, Son, Hugli
Peninsular Drainage System
Peninsular rivers are older than Himalayan rivers, largely seasonal, and characterized by broad, shallow valleys. They are divided into East-flowing (Bay of Bengal) and West-flowing (Arabian Sea) rivers.
East-Flowing Rivers (Form Deltas)
- Mahanadi: Flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
- Godavari: Largest peninsular river (Dakshin Ganga). Originates in Trimbakeshwar (Nashik).
- Krishna: Originates near Mahabaleshwar. Major tributaries: Tungabhadra, Bhima.
- Kaveri: Originates in Brahmagiri hills (Talakaveri). Known for perennial nature due to both SW and NE monsoons.
West-Flowing Rivers (Form Estuaries)
- Narmada: Longest west-flowing river. Flows in a rift valley between Vindhya and Satpura ranges. Origin: Amarkantak.
- Tapi (Tapti): Flows parallel to Narmada, south of Satpura range.
- Others: Mahi, Sabarmati, Periyar.
UPSC Prelims Focus
Key Traps
UPSC frequently asks questions on the North-South/East-West arrangement of tributaries, rivers passing through National Parks, and those forming natural boundaries between states.