India is home to many rivers that play a major role in agriculture, trade, and culture. These rivers stretch across plains, plateaus, and valleys, shaping how people live and work. Each river plays an essential role in shaping India’s geography and economy. From sacred rivers like the Ganga to lifelines like the Godavari and Krishna, every river contributes to India’s natural wealth and livelihood. In this article, we will discuss the 10 Longest Rivers in India, their origins, length, and importance.
Quick Overview of Longest Rivers in India
| River | Length in India (km) | Origin | Ends In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganga | 2525 | Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand | Bay of Bengal |
| Godavari | 1464 | Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra | Bay of Bengal |
| Krishna | 1400 | Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra | Bay of Bengal |
| Yamuna | 1376 | Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand | Joins Ganga |
| Narmada | 1312 | Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh | Arabian Sea |
| Indus | 1114 | Lake Mansarovar, Tibet | Arabian Sea |
| Brahmaputra | 916 | Angsi Glacier, Tibet | Bay of Bengal |
| Mahanadi | 890 | Raipur District, Chhattisgarh | Bay of Bengal |
| Kaveri | 800 | Talakaveri, Karnataka | Bay of Bengal |
| Tapti | 724 | Satpura Hills, Madhya Pradesh | Arabian Sea |
| Ghaghara | 630 | Tibetan Plateau | Joins Ganga |
| Gandak | 630 | Nepal Himalayas | Joins Ganga |
| Kosi | 720 | Tibet & Nepal | Bay of Bengal |
| Chambal | 965 | Vindhya Range, MP | Joins Yamuna |
| Betwa | 590 | Vindhya Range, MP | Joins Yamuna |
| Sutlej | 1450 | Lake Rakshastal, Tibet | Chenab |
| Beas | 470 | Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh | Sutlej |
| Ravi | 720 | Chamba, Himachal Pradesh | Chenab |
| Chenab | 960 | Bara Lacha Pass, HP | Indus |
| Sabarmati | 371 | Aravalli Hills, Udaipur | Arabian Sea |
| Periyar | 244 | Western Ghats, Kerala | Arabian Sea |
| Mahi | 583 | Madhya Pradesh | Gulf of Khambhat |
| Son | 784 | Amarkantak Hills | Joins Ganga |
Ganga River (2525 km)
The Ganga is India’s longest and most sacred river. Originating from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, it travels through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it’s known as the Padma. Millions depend on it for water, farming, and rituals.
Key Highlights of Ganga River:
- Origin: Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
- States Covered: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal
- Tributaries: Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi
- Importance: Agriculture, religion, and domestic water use
Godavari River (1464 km)
The Godavari, also called “Dakshin Ganga,” is the second-longest river in India. It rises from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra and flows through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The river’s basin supports millions of farmers and numerous cultural sites.
Key Highlights of Godavari River:
- Origin: Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
- States Covered: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
- Tributaries: Pranhita, Indravati, Sabari
- Importance: Irrigation, pilgrimage, and fisheries
Krishna River (1400 km)
The Krishna River begins in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, and flows eastward across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal. It provides water to large agricultural areas and supports hydropower projects.
Key Highlights of Krishna River:
- Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
- States Covered: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
- Tributaries: Bhima, Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha
- Importance: Irrigation, electricity, and delta cultivation
Yamuna River (1376 km)
The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and flows through Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. It joins the Ganga at Prayagraj. The river is vital for agriculture and water supply in northern India.
Key Highlights of Yamuna River:
- Origin: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
- States Covered: Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
- Tributaries: Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Sindh
- Importance: Drinking water for Delhi, irrigation, and culture
Narmada River (1312 km)
Flowing westward, the Narmada is known as the “Life Line of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.” It originates from the Amarkantak Plateau and drains into the Arabian Sea. The Narmada Valley is rich in hydroelectric and irrigation projects.
Key Highlights of Narmada River:
- Origin: Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh
- States Covered: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
- Tributaries: Tawa, Hiran, Orsang
- Importance: Hydropower, agriculture, and religious significance
Indus River (1114 km in India)
The Indus River begins near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet and flows through Ladakh before entering Pakistan. It’s one of the oldest rivers, supporting ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization.
Key Highlights of Indus River:
- Origin: Lake Mansarovar
- Flows Through: Ladakh region of India
- Tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
- Importance: Hydropower, ancient trade, and civilization history
Brahmaputra River (916 km in India)
Originating in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, the Brahmaputra enters India through Arunachal Pradesh and flows through Assam before reaching Bangladesh. It is known for its high water flow and seasonal floods.
Key Highlights of Brahmaputra River:
- Origin: Angsi Glacier, Tibet
- States Covered: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam
- Tributaries: Subansiri, Manas, Dhansiri
- Importance: Irrigation, transportation, and fisheries
Mahanadi River (890 km)
The Mahanadi starts in Chhattisgarh and flows into Odisha before meeting the Bay of Bengal. Once known for floods, the river is now regulated by the Hirakud Dam, which supports irrigation and power.
Key Highlights of Mahanadi River:
- Origin: Raipur District, Chhattisgarh
- States Covered: Chhattisgarh, Odisha
- Tributaries: Seonath, Ib, Ong
- Importance: Irrigation, flood control, and power generation
Kaveri River (800 km)
The Kaveri River begins in Talakaveri, Karnataka, and flows through Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most important rivers for southern agriculture, forming a fertile delta before entering the Bay of Bengal.
Key Highlights of Kaveri River:
- Origin: Talakaveri, Western Ghats
- States Covered: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Tributaries: Hemavati, Shimsha, Amaravati
- Importance: Irrigation, hydropower, and temples
Tapti River (724 km)
The Tapti River rises in the Satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh and flows westward to the Arabian Sea. It crosses Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Tapti supports agriculture and industry in central India.
Key Highlights of Tapti River:
- Origin: Satpura Hills, Madhya Pradesh
- States Covered: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
- Tributaries: Purna, Girna, Panjhra
- Importance: Agriculture, west-flowing drainage, and industry
Which River Is Known as the Lifeline of India and Why?
The Ganga River is often called the Lifeline of India because it supports over 400 million people through irrigation, drinking water, and cultural relevance. Flowing across northern India, it nourishes some of the most fertile plains in the world.
It’s also a spiritual and economic artery, with thousands of towns and temples along its course. The Ganga’s basin contributes a significant share to India’s agriculture, especially for crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Efforts like the Namami Gange Mission aim to preserve its ecosystem while maintaining its central role in India’s development.
How Do India’s Longest Rivers Influence the Country’s Agriculture and Economy?
The longest rivers in India act as natural lifelines that drive the country’s agriculture and economy. They irrigate fields, recharge groundwater, and power industries. The Indus, Ganga, Godavari, and Krishna basins collectively contribute to the majority of India’s grain production.
Hydropower projects on rivers like Narmada, Mahanadi, and Kaveri provide clean energy to rural and urban areas. River deltas like those of the Godavari and Mahanadi are vital for fisheries and trade. In short, India’s rivers are the backbone of food security, employment, and energy production, making them critical for sustainable national growth.
FAQs About the Longest River in India
Q1. Which is the longest river in India?
The Ganga River is the longest river in India with a length of about 2525 km.
Q2. Which river is known as Dakshin Ganga?
The Godavari River is known as Dakshin Ganga or the Ganga of the South.
Q3. Which is the longest west-flowing river in India?
The Narmada River is the longest west-flowing river in India.
Q4. Which river flows through Delhi?
The Yamuna River flows through Delhi and provides water to the capital city.
Q5. Which river is called the Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat?
The Narmada River is known as the Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Q6. Which river forms the largest delta in India?
The Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers together form the largest delta in India.
Q7. Which river is known for frequent floods in Assam?
The Brahmaputra River is known for causing frequent floods in Assam.
Q8. Which river is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists?
The Ganga River is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Q9. Which is the shortest major river in India?
The Periyar River in Kerala is among the shorter yet vital rivers in India.
Q10. Which river is called the Sorrow of Bihar?
The Kosi River is often called the Sorrow of Bihar due to its floods.