Indian River Systems: Himalayan & Peninsular Drainage

The Indian River Systems are a vital part of the country's ecosystem and economy. The drainage systems of India can be broadly divided based on their origin, orientation towards the sea, and the size of the catchment area.

Introduction & Concept Overview

The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as 'dendritic', such as the rivers of the northern plain. Rivers originating from a hill and flowing in all directions present a 'radial' drainage system. The primary tributaries of rivers flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right angles, this drainage pattern is known as 'trellis'. When the rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or depression, the drainage system is known as 'centripetal'.

Complete List of River Systems

Historical Timeline & Evolution

The evolution of the Himalayan drainage system came to be after a mighty river called Shiwalik or Indo-Brahma got dismembered into three main drainage systems. This river system traversed the extent of the Himalaya from Assam to Punjab and finally discharged into the Gulf of Sin during the Miocene period some 5 to 24 millions years ago.

Key Facts & Figures to Memorize

• Ganga River System: rises near the Gangotri glacier, total length of 2,525 km, running across the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• Indus River System: originates from a glacier near Bokhar Chu, total length of 2,880 km, flows in the northwest direction between the Ladakh and Zaskar ranges.
• Brahmaputra River System: originates from Tibet, total length of 2,880 km, flows through the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Memory Tricks & Mnemonics

To remember the three main river systems of India, use the acronym 'GIB'

• Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.