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East Flowing Rivers, List of Rivers With Their Map

East Flowing Rivers: India is the seventh largest country in the world and has a lot of rivers flowing through it and it can be difficult to understand its rivers by name alone. There are two types of rivers flowing through India: Himalayan rivers, which originate from the Himalayan Mountains in northern India, and peninsular rivers, which flow through southern India.

Peninsular rivers flow in two directions: west-flowing rivers, which drain into the Arabian Sea, and east flowing rivers, which merge into the Bay of Bengal. The major East flowing rivers are Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Damodar, Mahanadi, Subarnarekha, Ponnaiyar, Pennar, Brahmani, Sharda, and Vaigai. In today’s article, we will discuss about east flowing rivers which are very important for UPSC pre and mains.

East Flowing Rivers

India is a land of rivers and it can be challenging to understand the diversity of its rivers. Peninsular rivers flow in two major directions: west-flowing rivers, which drain into the Arabian Sea, and east-flowing rivers, which merge into the Bay of Bengal. Today we will provide information about the major East Flowing Rivers of the peninsular rivers. East-flowing rivers are extremely important for India’s water resources and agriculture.

Also read- Western And Eastern Coastal Plains

List of East Flowing Rivers

The major rivers include the Godavari, which is the longest river in South India; Krishna, which flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana; Kaveri, which is considered the lifeline of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu; Damodar, also known as the Sorrow of Bengal; Mahanadi, which is the major source of irrigation in Odisha and Chhattisgarh; Subarnarekha, which flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal;

Ponnaiyar, which is an important river in Tamil Nadu; Pennar, which flows through Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; Brahmani, which is the major river in Odisha; and Vaigai, which is an important river in Tamil Nadu. These rivers play a vital role in the social, economic, and environmental system of India and are also very important topics for UPSC Pre and Mains exams.

East Flowing Rivers

River Length (km) Origin States Flowing Through Major Tributaries Notable Points
Godavari 1,465 Nasik, Maharashtra Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha Manjra, Pravara,  Pranhita, Purna Longest river in South India
Krishna 1,400 Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Bhima, Tungabhadra Major source for agriculture
Kaveri 800 Kodagu district of Karnataka Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Hemavati, Shimsha, Kabini, Amaravati Lifeline of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Damodar 541 Palamu hills, Jharkhand Jharkhand, West Bengal Barakar, Konar, Bokaro, Haharo Known as the Sorrow of Bengal
Mahanadi 900 Raipur district, Chhattisgarh Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa Seonath, Jonk, Hasdeo, Ong, Tel Major source of irrigation in Odisha
Subarnarekha 395 Ranchi plateau, Jharkhand Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha Kanchi Important river in Jharkhand and West Bengal
Ponnaiyar 497 Nandi Hills, Karnataka Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Chinnar, Markanda It is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu
Pennar 597 Nandi Hills, Karnataka Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu Chitravati, Papagni Flows through Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
Brahmani 480 Ranchi, Jharkhand Jharkhand, Odisha South Koel, Sankh Major river in Odisha
Vaigai 258 Varusanadu Hills, Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Suruli, Manjalar Important river in Tamil Nadu

Geography Notes For UPSC

East Flowing Rivers – Godavari

The Godavari River, originating in Nasik, Maharashtra, is the longest river in South India, stretching over 1,465 kilometers. It traverses through several states, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Along its course, it is joined by major tributaries such as the Manjra, Pravara, Pranhita, and Purna rivers. The Godavari plays a crucial role in the regions it flows through, providing water resources for agriculture, industry, and daily life.

East Flowing Rivers - Godavari

East Flowing Rivers – Krishna

The Krishna River is 1,400 kilometers long and rises in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. It passes through Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. In these areas, the river serves as a vital source of water for vast irrigation systems. Its flow is aided by significant tributaries like the Bhima and Tungabhadra rivers.

East Flowing Rivers - Krishna

East Flowing Rivers – Kaveri

The Kaveri River, originating in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, stretches for 800 kilometers. It flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, serving as a lifeline for both. Major tributaries such as the Hemavati, Shimsha, Kabini, and Amaravati rivers enhance its flow.

The Kaveri is crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial purposes, sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people in these regions. Its basin is also known for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance, making it an integral part of the southern Indian landscape.

East Flowing Rivers - Kaveri

East Flowing Rivers – Damodar

The Damodar River, originating from the Palamu hills in Jharkhand, runs for 541 kilometers through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal. It is joined by significant tributaries such as the Barakar, Konar, Bokaro, and Haharo rivers. Historically known as the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to its devastating floods, the Damodar River has a profound impact on the regions it traverses.

Efforts to harness its waters through the Damodar Valley Corporation have transformed it into a crucial resource for irrigation, power generation, and industrial development, mitigating its adverse effects and benefiting the local economy.

East Flowing Rivers - Damodar

East Flowing Rivers – Mahanadi

The Mahanadi River, originating in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, extends for 900 kilometers. It flows through the states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Significant tributaries such as the Seonath, Jonk, Hasdeo, Ong, and Tel rivers contribute to its volume. The Mahanadi is a major source of irrigation in Odisha, playing a vital role in the agricultural landscape of the region.

East Flowing Rivers - Mahanadi

East Flowing Rivers – Subarnarekha

The Subarnarekha River, originating from the Ranchi plateau in Jharkhand, spans 395 kilometers and flows through the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Kanchi River is one of its major tributaries. The Subarnarekha holds significant importance for both Jharkhand and West Bengal, serving as a crucial water source for agriculture, industry, and daily life in these regions.

East Flowing Rivers - Subarnarekha

East Flowing Rivers – Ponnaiyar

The Ponnaiyar River, originating from the Nandi Hills in Karnataka, stretches over 497 kilometers. It flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where it is known as the second-longest river. The Chinnar and Markanda rivers are among its major tributaries. The Ponnaiyar River plays a significant role in the agriculture and water supply of the regions it traverses, particularly in Tamil Nadu.

East Flowing Rivers – Pennar

The Pennar River, originating from the Nandi Hills in Karnataka, spans 597 kilometers. It flows through the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Significant tributaries such as the Chitravati and Papagni rivers contribute to its flow. The Pennar River is a crucial water source for the regions it traverses, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

East Flowing Rivers - Pennar

East Flowing Rivers – Brahmani

The Brahmani River, originating in Ranchi, Jharkhand, stretches for 480 kilometers. It flows through the states of Jharkhand and Odisha, where it is considered a major river. Significant tributaries such as the South Koel and Sankh rivers enhance its flow. The Brahmani River plays a crucial role in the agricultural and industrial activities of Odisha, providing essential water resources for irrigation and supporting local ecosystems.

East Flowing Rivers - Brahmani

East Flowing Rivers – Vaigai

The Vaigai River, originating from the Varusanadu Hills in Tamil Nadu, extends for 258 kilometers. It flows entirely within the state of Tamil Nadu, with significant tributaries such as the Suruli and Manjalar rivers. The Vaigai is an important river in Tamil Nadu, serving as a crucial water source for agriculture and daily life in the region. Its waters support irrigation systems, aiding in the cultivation of various crops and sustaining the livelihoods of many farmers.

East Flowing Rivers - Vaigai

Related Articles
Godavari River System Krishna River System
Cauvery River System Mahanadi River System
Indus River System Brahmaputra River System
Ganga River System Yamuna River System
Indian River System (Drainage Systems of India) Indian Peninsular Plateau (Deccan Plateau)

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FAQs

How many east flowing rivers are there in India?

India has many east-flowing rivers, the major ones being Damodar River, Subarnarekha River, Ponnaiyar River, Mahanadi River, Godavari River, Krishna River, Kaveri River, Pennar River, Brahmani River, Sharada River and Vaigai River.

What are the major rivers of India?

Indus, Brahmaputra, Ganga, Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna and Mahanadi.

longest east flowing river in india

Godavari is the longest east flowing river

Smallest east flowing river in india

Baitarni