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Questions and Answers
What is the length of the Godavari River?
What is the length of the Godavari River?
Which river in South India is second only to the Ganges in terms of extensive irrigation network?
Which river in South India is second only to the Ganges in terms of extensive irrigation network?
What is the significance of the Vindhyachal Range in India's history?
What is the significance of the Vindhyachal Range in India's history?
Which mountain range in India is home to Mount Everest?
Which mountain range in India is home to Mount Everest?
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Which Indian mountain system is estimated to be approximately 800 million years old?
Which Indian mountain system is estimated to be approximately 800 million years old?
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Which South Indian state does the Western Ghats mountain range NOT pass through?
Which South Indian state does the Western Ghats mountain range NOT pass through?
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Which river is India's longest river?
Which river is India's longest river?
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Where does the Yamuna River merge into another river?
Where does the Yamuna River merge into another river?
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Which country's territory does the Brahmaputra River flow through?
Which country's territory does the Brahmaputra River flow through?
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Which state in India refers to the Brahmaputra River as Dihang?
Which state in India refers to the Brahmaputra River as Dihang?
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Which river is not mentioned in the text as one of the principal rivers of India?
Which river is not mentioned in the text as one of the principal rivers of India?
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Which region benefits from the floodplains provided by the Brahmaputra River?
Which region benefits from the floodplains provided by the Brahmaputra River?
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Study Notes
Major Rivers of India
The vast landscape of India is home to several expansive waterways that have shaped its culture, history, and economy throughout centuries. Among them, four principal rivers stand out, serving as lifelines for millions across the country. Let's explore these vital water veins in detail.
Ganges River (Ganga)
Flowing through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bangladesh, the Ganges is India's longest river with a total length of approximately 2,525 kilometers. A symbol of purity in Indian mythology, it contributes significantly to the livelihood of over 40% of India's population via irrigation, industry, and transportation.
Yamuna River
Another essential tributary originating from the Himalayas, the Yamuna stretches over 860 km before merging into the Ganges near Allahabad. Historically, it has been integral in giving life to the arid regions along its path and continues to serve as a source of sustenance and economic development today.
Brahmaputra River
Rising in Tibetan plateau and traversing China, Bhutan, and northeastern states within India, the Brahmaputra measures around 2,900 km long. Known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Chinese territory and Dihang in Assam state, this mighty river provides substantial floodplains, biodiversity, and opportunities for hydroelectric power generation in India's northeast region.
Godavari River
With a length of nearly 1,475 km, the Godavari flows mainly through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. It serves second only to the Ganges among South Indian rivers due to its extensive irrigation network, covering more than 1 million hectares of agricultural land.
Mountains of India
In addition to its abundant natural water resources, India boasts numerous mountain ranges that define its topography and set the stage for diverse ecosystems and life forms. Here we highlight some of the most prominent peaks.
Himalaya Range
Known as the "abode of snow," the Himalayas stretch over 2,400 km, running along the borders of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. This magnificent range contains Mount Everest, which is the highest peak above sea level and offers stunning landscapes, such as the Great Himalayan National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park.
Vindhyachal Range
A lesser known yet significant chain of ancient mountain formations, the Vindhyachal extends over Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. With an elevation reaching up to 1,085 meters, these hills possess historical significance dating back thousands of years ago when they served as barriers between different civilizations during ancient times.
Aravalli Range
Located primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat, the Aravalli form one of India's oldest mountain systems with altitudes ranging from just 152 meters to 573 meters above sea level. The range, estimated to be approximately 800 million years old, is steeped in history and was once home to prehistoric flora and fauna.
Western Ghats
Spanning six southern states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep Islands, the Western Ghats measure roughly 1,600 km in length. These scenic and ecologically sensitive highlands represent a hotspot of biological diversity and are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, owing to their unique natural features and endemic plant and animal species.
Understanding the role played by Indian rivers and mountains helps us appreciate the continent's complex geographic makeup, which shapes its diverse cultures, environments, and economies. By studying these dynamic entities, we can foster a deeper sense of connection and conservation towards our planet Earth.
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Description
Explore the significant rivers and mountain ranges that define India's geography and have influenced its history and culture. Learn about the Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Godavari rivers, as well as the Himalaya, Vindhyachal, Aravalli, and Western Ghats mountain ranges.
