Which is the Longest River in India?
VerifiedAnswer: The Ganges
Explanation:
The Ganges, known as Ganga in Hindi, is the longest river in India with a total length of approximately 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles). This sacred river holds immense geographical, cultural, and spiritual significance in the Indian subcontinent.
The Ganges originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the state of Uttarakhand, specifically from the Gaumukh terminus. From its source in the Himalayas, the river flows through the northern plains of India, passing through several major states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
During its journey, the Ganges passes through numerous important cities that depend on it for water supply, agriculture, and transportation. Some of the major cities along its banks include Haridwar, Kanpur, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Varanasi, Patna, and Kolkata. These cities have flourished historically due to their proximity to this life-giving river.
The river system of the Ganges is enriched by several major tributaries that join it along its course. The right-bank tributaries include the Yamuna, Son, and Punpun rivers, while the left-bank tributaries include the Ramganga, Gomti, Gandak, and Kosi rivers. The Yamuna, being the largest tributary, significantly contributes to the river's water volume.
Beyond its physical dimensions, the Ganges holds profound religious and cultural importance in Hindu tradition. Millions of people consider it a sacred river and believe that bathing in its waters can cleanse sins and bring salvation. The river is worshipped as Goddess Ganga and plays a central role in various Hindu festivals and rituals.
From an economic perspective, the Ganges supports the livelihoods of nearly 400 million people, making it one of the most populated river basins in the world. The fertile Gangetic plains, formed by the river's alluvial deposits over thousands of years, constitute some of India's most productive agricultural land, supporting crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
While the Ganges faces modern challenges including pollution and over-extraction of water, various government initiatives like the Namami Gange program have been launched to restore and rejuvenate this vital waterway. Understanding the Ganges as India's longest river helps us appreciate not just its geographical significance, but also its role as the backbone of Indian civilization and culture.
