India is blessed with a vast network of rivers that span across its entire geographical expanse. From the Himalayan glaciers to the southern plateaus, these rivers play an indispensable role in sustaining agriculture, supporting industry, and shaping the cultural and historical identity of each state. In this article, we delve into the major rivers in each Indian state, highlighting their importance and the regions they flow through.

Quick Overview of Major Rivers in Indian States

Rank	State	Major Rivers
1	Andhra Pradesh	Godavari, Krishna, Palar, Tungabhadra, Pennar
2	Arunachal Pradesh	Brahmaputra, Subansiri, Lohit, Dihang, Kameng
3	Assam	Brahmaputra, Barak, Lohit, Kopili, Dhaleswari
4	Bihar	Ganga, Ghaghara, Kosi, Mahananda, Gandak
5	Chhattisgarh	Mahanadi, Godavari, Indravati, Hasdeo, Son
6	Goa	Mandovi, Zuari
7	Gujarat	Narmada, Tapi, Sabarmati, Mahi, Sabarmati
8	Haryana	Yamuna, Ghaggar
9	Himachal Pradesh	Sutlej, Beas, Ravi
10	Jharkhand	Damodar, Subarnarekha, Barakar, Koel
11	Karnataka	Krishna, Cauvery, Netravati, Bhima, Tungabhadra
12	Kerala	Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Punnappra, Muvattupuzha
13	Madhya Pradesh	Narmada, Betwa, Chambal, Mahi, Son
14	Maharashtra	Godavari, Krishna, Bhima, Tapi, Mutha
15	Manipur	Barak
16	Meghalaya	Umngot, Kopili
17	Mizoram	Tlawng, Barak
18	Nagaland	Doyang
19	Odisha	Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha
20	Punjab	Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Ghaggar
21	Rajasthan	Chambal, Luni, Banas, Mahi, Sabarmati
22	Sikkim	Teesta
23	Tamil Nadu	Kaveri, Palar, Vaigai, Ponnaiyar
24	Telangana	Godavari, Krishna, Manjira, Bhima, Tungabhadra
25	Tripura	Howrah
26	Uttar Pradesh	Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gomti, Ramganga
27	Uttarakhand	Ganga, Yamuna
28	West Bengal	Ganga (Hooghly), Damodar, Teesta

India is home to numerous rivers that shape the geography, culture, and economy of its states. From the mighty Ganges in Uttar Pradesh to the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, each river holds a unique place in the nation's landscape. Below, we will explore the major rivers of 10 Indian states in detail, emphasizing their significance in the development of these regions.

Andhra Pradesh - Godavari and Krishna Rivers

Andhra Pradesh, located in the southern part of India, is traversed by two major rivers: the Godavari and the Krishna. The Godavari, also known as the "Dakshin Ganga" or Ganges of the South, is the second-longest river in India. These rivers are vital for agriculture, water supply, and hydropower generation in the state. The Godavari's basin sustains large parts of the state's agricultural land, while the Krishna is central to irrigation and industry in the region.

Key Highlights of Andhra Pradesh Rivers

• Godavari is the second-longest river in India and flows through the state from west to east.
• Krishna River is crucial for irrigation in the Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra regions.
• Both rivers are essential for the agricultural economy, supporting crops like rice, cotton, and sugarcane.
• The Tungabhadra and Palar are also key tributaries that contribute to the water needs of the state.

Arunachal Pradesh - Brahmaputra and Subansiri Rivers

Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India is home to the mighty Brahmaputra River, one of the longest rivers in the world. The river originates from Tibet, flows through Arunachal Pradesh, and then travels through Assam before entering Bangladesh. Apart from the Brahmaputra, the Subansiri, Lohit, and Dihang rivers are important water bodies in the state. These rivers provide essential resources for agriculture and hydroelectric power generation, while also maintaining the state’s lush ecosystem.

Key Highlights of Arunachal Pradesh Rivers

• Brahmaputra is the primary river and is crucial for the state's agriculture and transport systems.
• Subansiri, Lohit, and Dihang are important tributaries contributing to the state's water system.
• These rivers help support biodiversity and provide significant hydropower potential in the region.
• Arunachal Pradesh’s river system also plays an essential role in flood control and irrigation.

Assam - Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers

Assam is heavily influenced by the mighty Brahmaputra River, which runs through the entire state. This river, which spans over 2,900 kilometers, is a lifeline for the people of Assam, particularly for agriculture and transportation. The Barak River, another important river, flows through southern Assam and is vital for irrigation and local trade. These rivers have shaped the state's landscape and economy, especially the fertile plains and tea gardens of Assam.

Key Highlights of Assam Rivers

• Brahmaputra is crucial for agriculture, supporting Assam’s tea industry and rice cultivation.
• Barak River is a key water source in the southern part of the state.
• The rivers help in maintaining the fertile floodplains, contributing to Assam's agricultural productivity.
• Brahmaputra is also vital for transportation, especially in the form of riverboats.

Bihar - Ganga and Its Tributaries

The Ganga (or Ganges) River is the central river in Bihar, shaping much of the state's culture and economy. Flowing from Uttarakhand, the Ganga is vital for irrigation, drinking water, and religious practices. Bihar also has other important rivers, such as the Ghaghara, Kosi, and Gandak, which feed into the Ganga and help sustain agriculture, especially in the fertile plains. However, these rivers also present challenges in terms of flooding.

Key Highlights of the Bihar Rivers

• Ganga provides water for irrigation, drinking, and cultural purposes.
• Ghaghara, Kosi, and Gandak are tributaries that contribute to agricultural irrigation.
• Bihar’s river system is essential for rice, wheat, and sugarcane cultivation.
• These rivers are also prone to floods, which significantly impact the state's economy and infrastructure.

Chhattisgarh - Mahanadi and Godavari Rivers

Chhattisgarh, located in central India, is blessed with the Mahanadi River, which originates in the state and flows towards the east, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari is another crucial river that touches the state’s southern regions. These rivers support Chhattisgarh's agriculture, which mainly focuses on rice cultivation. The Mahanadi also supports hydropower projects, such as the Hirakud Dam, making it vital for energy generation.

Key Highlights of Chhattisgarh Rivers

• Mahanadi is central to Chhattisgarh’s irrigation and hydropower generation.
• Godavari provides water for irrigation and industrial activities.
• The Indravati and Hasdeo rivers are additional significant water bodies in the state.
• These rivers help support agriculture, industry, and the state's economy.

Goa - Mandovi and Zuari Rivers

Goa, India's smallest state, is shaped by its major rivers: the Mandovi and Zuari. These rivers are crucial for transportation, irrigation, and fishing industries. The Mandovi, which flows through the state, is vital for Goa's economy, especially in the tourism and cargo transport sectors. These rivers also support local agriculture, contributing to crops like paddy and sugarcane.

Key Highlights of the Goa Rivers

• Mandovi and Zuari rivers are essential for Goa’s tourism, transport, and fisheries.
• Mandovi is the longest river in the state and flows through major towns like Panaji.
• Goa's rivers are important for irrigation, supporting the state's small-scale farming.
• The rivers also contribute to the state's rich biodiversity.

Gujarat - Narmada and Sabarmati Rivers

Gujarat is home to the Narmada River, which flows from Madhya Pradesh and is vital for the state’s irrigation and water supply. The Sabarmati River, flowing through Ahmedabad, is another crucial water source. The Narmada is also known for the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which helps provide water for drinking and irrigation. Gujarat’s river system supports its thriving agriculture, industry, and urban growth.

Key Highlights of Gujarat Rivers

• Narmada is crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial development.
• Sabarmati plays an essential role in the state's water supply, especially for Ahmedabad.
• The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada helps control floods and generate hydroelectric power.
• Gujarat’s rivers also support industries, particularly in textiles and chemicals.

Haryana - Yamuna and Ghaggar Rivers

Haryana, located in northern India, is mainly supported by the Yamuna River, which forms the state’s eastern boundary. The Yamuna is crucial for irrigation, especially in the fertile lands of the Yamuna Valley. The Ghaggar River, although seasonal, provides water for small-scale farming in parts of Haryana. These rivers are important for the state's agriculture, particularly in wheat and rice cultivation.

Key Highlights of Haryana Rivers

• Yamuna is vital for irrigation in Haryana, especially for wheat and rice crops.
• The Ghaggar River provides water for agriculture, although it is seasonal.
• The Yamuna also serves as a major cultural and religious water source.
• Haryana’s agriculture is heavily reliant on these rivers, making water management crucial.

Himachal Pradesh - Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi Rivers

In Himachal Pradesh, the Sutlej River plays the most significant role in supporting agriculture, hydropower, and water supply. The Beas and Ravi rivers are also crucial for providing water for irrigation in this hilly state. The Sutlej originates from Tibet and enters Himachal Pradesh, where it flows through the state’s valleys, helping to sustain its farming communities.

Key Highlights of Himachal Pradesh Rivers

• Sutlej is the most significant river, supporting agriculture and hydropower.
• Beas and Ravi also contribute to irrigation and power generation.
• The state is known for its hydropower plants, many of which rely on the Sutlej and Beas rivers.
• Himachal Pradesh’s rivers are essential for the state's agriculture, particularly in the hills.

Jharkhand - Damodar and Subarnarekha Rivers

Jharkhand, located in eastern India, is home to the Damodar and Subarnarekha rivers. The Damodar, often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bengal,” is a major river in Jharkhand and has historically been prone to flooding. The Subarnarekha provides important water resources for irrigation and sustains various industries in the state.

Key Highlights of Jharkhand Rivers

• Damodar has been essential for agriculture and has a history of flooding.
• The Subarnarekha river supports agriculture, particularly in the eastern regions of Jharkhand.
• These rivers are key for local industries, especially in coal mining and steel production.
• The state has many dams and reservoirs built on these rivers to manage floodwater and provide irrigation.

FAQs on Major Rivers in India

Q1. What are the major rivers in Andhra Pradesh?

Andhra Pradesh's major rivers include the Godavari, Krishna, Palar, Pennar, and Tungabhadra.

Q2. Which river is the longest in Assam?

The Brahmaputra is the longest and most significant river in Assam.

Q3. What are the important rivers in Bihar?

The major rivers in Bihar are the Ganga, Ghaghara, Kosi, Gandak, and Son.

Q4. Which river flows through Gujarat?

The Narmada and Sabarmati are the major rivers that flow through Gujarat.

Q5. What is the primary river in Karnataka?

The Krishna and Cauvery rivers are the most important rivers in Karnataka.

Q6. Which river is essential for agriculture in Uttar Pradesh?

The Ganga and Yamuna rivers provide crucial irrigation for agriculture in Uttar Pradesh.

Q7. What are the key rivers of Himachal Pradesh?

The key rivers in Himachal Pradesh are the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi.

Q8. Which river flows through Rajasthan?

The major rivers in Rajasthan include the Chambal, Luni, Banas, and Mahi.

Q9. What rivers are vital to Odisha's economy?

The Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Subarnarekha are the vital rivers in Odisha.

Q10. Which river is most important in Maharashtra?

The Godavari and Krishna are the two most important rivers in Maharashtra, supporting agriculture and industry.