Rivers and their tributaries represent a significant subject within static general knowledge, detailing the various rivers along with their sources and tributaries. India boasts a diverse network of rivers with over 400 rivers and eight major river systems, which are categorized into four groups: the Himalayan rivers, the Deccan rivers, the Coastal rivers, and the rivers of the inland drainage basin. Most of these rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal, while some connect to the Arabian Sea as they traverse the western part of the country.

Inland drainage systems are present in the northern Aravalli mountain range, certain regions of Ladakh, and the arid Thar Desert.

This article contains details about the list of Indian rivers and their tributaries, and the 10 major rivers and their tributaries with their length, for easy identification of the location of the graphical representations of the Indian rivers with their tributaries and their origin in India.

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What is the list of Indian Rivers?

A river system is a network of interconnected rivers and streams that drain into a common body of water such as a lake, sea, or ocean. It consists of the main river, its tributaries, and the watersheds that divide them. There are 10 major river systems in India, which are given in the tabular column with their length.

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List of Indian Rivers And Their Tributaries

• A tributary is a freshwater stream that feeds into a larger stream or river. Tributaries, also called effluents, do not flow directly into the ocean.

• Most rivers are formed from tributaries.

• Each tributary drains a different watershed, carrying runoff and snowmelt from that area.

• Each tributary's watershed makes up the larger watershed of the mainstream.

List of Indian Rivers And Their Tributaries in India Map

The graphical representations of the Indian rivers and tributaries in India are given on the map. The blue lines represent the river and their tributaries flowing around India.

List of Indian Rivers And Their Tributaries State Wise

We will see State-wise Indian Rivers with their Tributaries in detail. 

In Maharashtra

• The five main rivers and tributaries in Maharashtra. Krishna, Bhima, Godavari, Tapi-Purna and Wardha-Waingang.

• The Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, and Saraswati Rivers are India's other four principal rivers.

• Although the River Narmada also traverses the state, it is not its principal river. These rivers create river basins in the areas they drain into, covering the majority of the state's fertile land.

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Karnataka

• Karnataka is one of the South Indian States of India.

• We will discuss in detail about Rivers and their tributaries in Karnataka.

• River Cauvery and River Krishna are the main rivers in Karnataka and have a lot of tributaries.

• Other rivers flow towards the west and end up in the Arabian Sea.

FAQs

Q: Why are Indian rivers and their tributaries important for competitive exams?

Rivers and their tributaries are a core part of Static GK and General Awareness in exams like Banking, SSC, and Insurance. Questions are often asked about their origin, flow direction, associated states, and major tributaries.

Q: How are Indian rivers classified?

Indian rivers are classified into four major groups:

• Himalayan Rivers (e.g., Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra)

• Deccan Rivers (e.g., Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi)

• Coastal Rivers (e.g., Sabarmati, Mandovi)

• Inland Drainage Rivers (e.g., Luni, Ghaggar)

Q: Which is the longest river in India, and where does it originate?

The Ganga is the longest river in India (2,525 km within India), originating from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand as Bhagirathi.

Q: What are the key tributaries of the Ganga River?

Major tributaries include Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, and Son.

Q: What is the significance of rivers in India’s economy?

Rivers support agriculture (irrigation), provide drinking water, enable hydroelectric power generation, and aid transport, tourism, and biodiversity conservation. They also hold cultural and religious importance.

Q:  Which Indian rivers flow into the Arabian Sea?

Major rivers flowing westward into the Arabian Sea include the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Sabarmati.

Q: What is meant by an inland drainage system in India?

Inland drainage refers to rivers that do not reach the sea. They drain into inland basins, like the Luni River in Rajasthan and streams in Ladakh and the Thar Desert.

Q: Where can I download the full list of Indian rivers and tributaries with their origins and a map?

You can download the complete PDF (in English and Hindi) from the article itself. It includes river origins, tributaries, state-wise coverage, and a map for easy visual learning and revision.