India is blessed with a vast network of rivers, which are integral to its geography, culture, and economy. Here are the top 16 rivers in India –
- Brahmaputra River: Length – 2,900 km. It originates in Tibet, flows through India and Bangladesh, and is known for its powerful currents and scenic beauty.
- Chambal River: Length – 960 km. It flows through central India and is known for its pristine and relatively unspoiled ecosystem, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including critically endangered gharial and dolphin species.
- Chenab River: Length – 960 km. It is one of the major rivers of the Indus River system, originating in Jammu and Kashmir and flowing through northern India and Pakistan.
- Cauvery River: Length – 800 km. It originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and flows through southern India, known for its importance in agriculture, providing water for irrigation and hydroelectricity generation.
- Damodar River: Length – 541 km. It flows through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal, known for its coal-rich region and often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to its history of floods and devastating impacts.
- Ganges River: Length – 2,525 km. It is the holiest river in Hinduism, originating in the northern state of Uttarakhand, flowing through northern India, and playing a significant cultural, religious, and economic role in the country.
- Gandak River: Length – 630 km. It flows through Nepal and northern India, known for its role in irrigation, hydropower generation, and supporting diverse flora and fauna.
- Godavari River: Length – 1,465 km. It is the second-longest river in India, originating in Maharashtra and flowing through southern India, known for its importance in agriculture, irrigation, and cultural significance.
- Indus River: Length – 3,180 km (in India). It is one of the longest rivers in Asia, flowing through India, Pakistan, and China, known for its historical and cultural significance, and being the cradle of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
- Jhelum River: Length – 725 km. It is a major river in the Indian-administered territory of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.
- Kabini River: Length – 230 km. It flows through the state of Karnataka, known for its importance in providing water for irrigation, hydroelectricity generation, and supporting diverse flora and fauna.
- Kali River: Length – 184 km. It forms a natural boundary between the states of Karnataka and Kerala, known for its scenic beauty and significance in supporting local livelihoods.
- Krishna River: Length – 1,400 km. It originates in Maharashtra and flows through several states in southern India, known for its importance in agriculture, irrigation, and hydroelectricity generation.
- Mahanadi River: Length – 858 km. It flows through the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, known for its significance in agriculture, irrigation, and supporting diverse flora and fauna.
- Mandovi River: Length – 77 km. It is a major river in the state of Goa, known for its scenic beauty, and supporting local livelihoods through fishing and tourism.
- Narmada River: Length – 1,312 km. It is one of the holiest rivers in India, flowing through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, known for its cultural and religious significance, and supporting local livelihoods.
There are many other rivers in India that are significant in their own right. The ranking of rivers may also vary depending on different criteria such as length, volume, religious and cultural significance, and ecological importance.
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