The Geography section of the General Awareness paper for the AFCAT 2 2025 exam often includes questions related to India’s physical features, and its elaborate river and drainage systems are a significant part of this. Understanding the major rivers, their tributaries, and their importance is crucial for aspirants.
Major River Systems of India:
India’s drainage system can be broadly classified into two major groups:
- Himalayan Rivers: These rivers are perennial (flow throughout the year) as they are fed by glaciers and rainfall. They form large deltas.
- Indus River System:
- Main River: Indus (originates in Tibet, flows through Ladakh, Pakistan).
- Important Tributaries (in India): Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej. These five rivers form the “Punjab.”
- Significance: Provides water for agriculture in Punjab and Haryana.
- Ganga River System:
- Main River: Ganga (originates as Bhagirathi from Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand).
- Important Tributaries: Yamuna (largest tributary, joins at Prayagraj), Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi (from Himalayas); Chambal, Betwa, Son (from Peninsular Plateau).
- Significance: Most important river of India, culturally and economically. Its basin is one of the most fertile and densely populated regions.
- Brahmaputra River System:
- Main River: Brahmaputra (originates in Tibet as Yarlung Tsangpo, enters India in Arunachal Pradesh as Dihang, known as Brahmaputra in Assam, then Jamuna in Bangladesh).
- Important Tributaries: Dibang, Lohit, Subansiri, Manas, Teesta.
- Significance: Known for its vast volume of water and annual floods in Assam.
- Indus River System:
- Peninsular Rivers: These rivers are mostly rain-fed and largely dependent on monsoon rainfall. They are generally shorter and shallower than Himalayan rivers.
- East Flowing Rivers (drain into the Bay of Bengal):
- Mahanadi: Flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Famous for the Hirakud Dam.
- Godavari: Longest Peninsular river, known as “Dakshin Ganga.” Flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.
- Krishna: Flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.
- Kaveri: Flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Known for its historical significance and inter-state water dispute.
- West Flowing Rivers (drain into the Arabian Sea):
- Narmada: Flows west through a rift valley, originates in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. Largest west-flowing river.
- Tapi (Tapti): Also flows through a rift valley, parallel to Narmada.
- Sabarmati, Mahi, Periyar: Other important west-flowing rivers.
- East Flowing Rivers (drain into the Bay of Bengal):
Key Aspects to Study:
- Origin: Where does the river originate (mountain range, glacier, specific peak)?
- Major Tributaries: Key rivers that join the main river.
- States Covered: Which states does the river flow through?
- Major Cities on River Banks: Important cities located along the rivers.
- Dams/Projects: Significant multi-purpose projects or dams on these rivers.
- Significance: Economic, cultural, or environmental importance.
Preparation Tip: Use detailed maps of India to visualize the river courses and their tributaries. This will help you remember the information more effectively. Pay special attention to the rivers mentioned in recent news for any projects, floods, or disputes.
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