Indus River System & its Tributaries

Indus River System: The Indus River System originates from the Himalayas and is one of the largest river basins in the world. It is a vital part of the fertile regions of the Indian sub-continent and world.

The Indus River System comprises the main tributaries of the Indus River, namely the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj rivers. The signing of the Indus Water Treaty in 1960 aimed at water sharing, as the Indus River flows through India and Pakistan. In this article, we will look into the meaning, tributaries, origin, river system, and features of the Indus River System.

Let’s explore.

What is the Indus River System?

The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest human civilizations, flourished along the banks of the Indus River system. This civilization derived its name from the main river of the system, known as the Indus. In Sanskrit, the Indus River is referred to as “Sindhu,” while in Greek, it’s described as “Sinthos.”

The Indus River System is a major river system in South Asia, primarily flowing through Pakistan. It consists of the Indus River and its tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. These rivers originate in the Himalayas and flow through the various regions of Pakistan before draining into the Arabian Sea.

The Indus River System is vital for the agriculture and economy of Pakistan, providing water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. It also has significant historical and cultural importance, as the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, flourished along the banks of the Indus River thousands of years ago.

Tributaries of the Indus River System

The Indus River and its tributaries serve as vital resources for millions of people residing along their banks, providing for the various needs such as irrigation, transportation, and more. Here’s an overview of the Indus River and its tributaries, including their place of origin, multipurpose projects, and the states they traverse:

Rivers	Place of origin	Tributaries of the Indus River System	Multipurpose Projects	States
Indus	Bokhar Chu- Near Manasarovar Lake, Tibet	Beas, Ravi, Dras, Suru (Indus), Jhelum, Kishanganga, R. Shyok, Gilgit ,Zaskar (Ladakh), Astor Nanga Parbat), Chenab, Sutlej, Soan	Tarbela Dam(Indus), Ghazi Barotha, Hydroelectric Project, Kishanganga, Mangla Dam (Jhelum)	J&K, Distribution as per IWT, 1960
Jhelum	Verinag spring (Pir Panjal Range)	Kishanganga (Right) Neelum Kunhar Poonch	Mangla Dam Rasul Barrage	J&K
Chenab	Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh: Bara Lacha pass	Headward Tributaries: Bhaga (Baracha La) Chandra(Zozi La) R. Tavi	Baglihar Dam Trimmu Barrage, Salal Project Dhulhasti Dam	Himachal Pradesh and J&K
Ravi	Kullu hills, West to Rohtang Pass	R. Soul (Valley: Rich timber trees Garden of Chamba), R. Budhil, R. Nai/Dhona Battle of the ten kings was fought	Thein (Ranjit Sagar) Dam	J&K
Beas	Beas Kund-H.P (southern end at Pir Panjal) ,Near Rohtang Pass,	Parbati – Created problems in Alexander’s invasion of India in 2014 Beas River Tragedy: Flood gates of the Larji dam were opened	Pong Dam Pandoh Dam, Beas Project	Haryana and Punjab
Satluj	Manasarovar- Rakas Lakes Enters India through Shipki la Pass	T Spiti Proposal to build a 214-kilometer (133 mi) long heavy freight canal, to be known as the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) in India to connect the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers.	Gobind Ballabh Sagar, Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant, Neptha Jhakhari Dam, Bhakra Nangal Project, Harike, Sirhind	HP, Punjab, North of the Vindhya Range, East of the Central Sulaiman Range in Pak, and South of the Hindu) Kush segment of the Himalayas.

Origin of the Indus River System

The Indus River System originates from the Tibetan Plateau near Mount Kailash. The exact source of the river is a topic of debate, but it is commonly believed to be the Sênggê Kanbab (Sênggê Zangbo) or “Lion’s Mouth,” a perennial spring located not far from Mount Kailash. This region, characterized by high mountains and glaciers, serves as the starting point for the Indus River’s journey.

From its source, the Indus River flows through various regions, including the Ladakh region of India, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pakistan. It follows a course through the diverse landscapes of the Himalayas and the plains of the Indian subcontinent before finally emptying into the Arabian Sea near the port city of Karachi in Pakistan.

The Indus River System comprises six perennial rivers: the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj, and Beas rivers. The derivation of our country’s name, “India,” from “Indus,” highlights the central significance of the Indus River System within the Indian subcontinent.

Indus River System Features

In India, the Indus River mainly flows through the Leh area of Jammu & Kashmir. It originates from a spring at Verinag, located at the base of the Pir Panjal in the southern part of the Kashmir valley, giving rise to the Jhelum, an important tributary of the Indus. The Jhelum passes through Srinagar and the Wular Lake before crossing into Pakistan through a narrow, deep valley.

After reaching Pakistan near Jhang, the Indus merges with the Chenab, its largest tributary. The Chenab is formed by the convergence of two streams, the Chandra and the Bhaga, near Keylong in Himachal Pradesh, giving it the alternate name Chandrabhaga.

Features of Indus River System are given below:

• The river covers a distance of 1,180 kilometers before entering Pakistan. Another significant tributary of the Indus is the Ravi.
• Originating west of the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Hills, the Ravi flows through the Chamba Valley, draining the area between the southern Pir Panjal range and the Dhauladhar ranges before entering Pakistan and joining the Chenab near Sarai Sidhu.
• The Beas, another significant tributary, rises from the Beas Kund at an altitude of about 4,000 meters near the Rohtang Pass. It forms canyons at Kati and Largi in the Dhauladhar Mountains as it flows through the Kullu valley. Upon reaching the Punjab plains, it merges with the Satluj near Harike.

Indus River Tributaries in Detail

The Indus River System, stretching over 2900 km, stands as one of the longest river systems in the Indian subcontinent. Covering a vast drainage area of around 11 lakh 65 thousand square kilometers, most of which now fallflows within Pakistan’s boundaries, it holds immense geographical significance.

Here’s a breakdown of the rivers within the system along with their origins:

Indus River

The Indus River, is the primary river of this river system. It originates from the glaciers of the Kailash range near Mansarovar Lake. With a total length of approximately 2880 km, it traverses mainly through the territories of Pakistan and Tibet, with a small portion, roughly 710 km, flowing through Indian territories in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

• Origins: Emerging from a glacier near Bokhar Chu, close to Manasarovar Lake in Tibet, the Indus River journeys through the Himalayas, the Hindu Kush, and the Karakoram Range before entering the semiarid plains of Pakistan.
• Tributaries: The Indus River is fed by various tributaries originating from different regions, including the Zaskar and Astor rivers from Ladakh, and major rivers like the Chenab, Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi. It receives contributions from other significant rivers such as the Jhelum, Kishanganga, and R. Shyok, among others.
• Geographical Features: The Indus River’s path cuts across the Ladakh range, forming breathtaking gorges near Gilgit in Jammu and Kashmir. It also features canyons in the vicinity of the Nanga Parbat formation and exhibits tidal bore, elongated distributaries, and low sandy beaches along its course.
• Flow Route: The Indus primarily flows through the Leh district in India before crossing into Pakistan through the Northern Areas near Chillar in the Dardistan region. It forms the iconic Sapta Sindhu (Seven Rivers) delta in Pakistan.
• Ecological Importance: The Indus River supports diverse aquatic life, including the famous Hilsa fish and the endangered Blind Indus River Dolphin, a sub-species found exclusively in the Indus River.

Jhelum River

• Origin: Chashma Verinag Glacierand , Kashmir
• Length: Around 720 km
• Description: Flows through Jammu & Kashmir before entering Pakistan.

Chenab River

• Origin: Combines two rivers Chandra and Bhaga rivers, in the West Himalayan region in the Himachal Pradesh state.
• Description: Flows through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir before merging with the Indus.

Ravi River

• Origin: Near Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
• Description: Flows through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir before joining the Chenab.

Beas River

• Origin: Beas Kund, Rohtang La Pass, Himachal Pradesh
• Description: Flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before merging with the Satluj.

Satluj River

• Origin: Rakkas Lake, Tibet
• Length: Approximately 1450 km
• Description: Enters India through Shipki La pass, and candidates must havetraverses through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before entering Pakistan to merge with the Chenab.

These rivers collectively form the Indus River System, playing a crucial role in the geographical, ecological, and cultural landscape of the region.

Indus River System UPSC

The Indus River System holds significant importance in Indian geography, making it an important topic for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC. Therefore, to ensure thorough preparation for the UPSC exam, candidates must have a clear understanding of all concepts related to Indian geography.

For comprehensive preparation on the Indus River System, candidates should diligently study relevant notes and refer to the best UPSC Geography books available. This approach ensures a deep understanding of the subject matter, enabling candidates to tackle questions related to the Indus River System confidently during the exam.

Conclusion – Indus River System

In conclusion, the Indus River System is a crucial geographical and hydrological feature of South Asia, particularly Pakistan and parts of India. It comprises the Indus River and its tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. Originating from the Himalayas, these rivers play a significant role in the agricultural, economic, and cultural life of the region. Understanding the Indus River System is essential for comprehending the environmental, economic, and social dynamics of the regions it traverses. Its management and sustainable use are critical for the well-being and development of the millions of people who depend on its waters.

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FAQs on the Indus River System

What is the order of the Indus River system?

The Indus River originates in Tibet near Mount Kailash, close to Mansarovar Lake, before eventually draining into the Arabian Sea. Stretching over a total length of 3,180 kilometers, it forms a vital lifeline for the regions it traverses. The correct sequence of its major tributaries from north to south is Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

What is the Indus basin River system?

The Indus Basin River System comprises of six primary rivers: the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Kabul, along with their respective catchment areas. This system is supported by three major storage reservoirs, 19 barrages, 12 inter-river link canals, and 40 major canal commands. It boasts over 120,000 watercourses, making it a crucial network for managing water resources and supporting various human activities such as agriculture and transportation.

Where does the Indus River start and end?

The Indus River starts in the Tibetan Plateau near Lake Mansarovar, located in the vicinity of Mount Kailash in Tibet. It then flows through the Ladakh region of India, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pakistan before finally emptying into the Arabian Sea near the port city of Karachi in Pakistan.

Which river is called River of Death?

The Shyok River. It originates from the Rimo Glacier, one of the branches of the Siachen Glacier nestled in the Karakoram Range. The Siachen Glacier is one of the largest glacial systems in the Trans-Himalayas. From its icy origins, the Shyok River carves its path through the rugged terrain, showcasing the raw power and beauty of nature in the remote regions of the Himalayas.

What is the economic importance of the Indus River System?

The Indus River System supports agriculture, providing water for irrigation to millions of hectares of farmland. It is crucial for transportation and hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the economic development of the region.