Eduqo
Indian Geography›Ch 3: Drainage & Climate›Himalayan River Systems
Master Indus, Ganga & Brahmaputra origins, confluences and tributaries for exams.
Himalayan rivers are perennial because they are fed by both melting glaciers and monsoon rains. Knowing exact origins, confluences like Devprayag, and left-right tributaries is the secret to scoring in SSC and Defence exams.
Memory Hooks
| River System | Origin Point | Major Tributaries |
|---|---|---|
| Indus | Bokhar Chu Glacier | Zanskar, Chenab, Satluj |
| Ganga | Gangotri Glacier | Yamuna, Kosi, Son |
| Brahmaputra | Chemaayungdung | Teesta, Subansiri, Manas |
Devprayag
(Alaknanda + Bhagirathi)
Alaknanda + Bhagirathi
River Ganga officially begins downstream of Devprayag confluence.
Prayagraj
(Ganga + Yamuna)
Ganga + Yamuna
Allahabad is the historic confluence point of Ganga and Yamuna.
Tsangpo
(Tibet River Name)
Tibet River Name
Brahmaputra is known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet region.
Panjnad
(Five Indus Tributaries)
Five Indus Tributaries
Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Satluj meet to form Panjnad.
Indus originates in India.Originates near Mansarovar in Tibet.
Students confuse Indus origin with its entry point into India via Ladakh.
Ganga starts at Devprayag.Alaknanda + Bhagirathi meet here.
Bhagirathi alone is not Ganga; Ganga name is acquired only after Devprayag confluence.
Brahmaputra enters India in Sikkim.Enters via Arunachal Pradesh.
Brahmaputra enters India as Dihang river in Arunachal Pradesh, not Sikkim.
Q1.Which two rivers meet at Devprayag to form the mainstream Ganga?
Q2.By what name is the Brahmaputra known when it flows through Tibet?