Distinguish between himalayan rivers and peninsular river
Rivers have been of fundamental importance throughout human history. Water from rivers is a basic natural resource, essential for various human activities. Therefore, riverbanks have attracted settlers from ancient times. Using rivers for irrigation, navigation and hydropower generation is of special significance — particularly to a country like India, where agriculture is the major source of livelihood of the majority of its population.
Tow major river system
The Indian rivers are divided into two major groups:
The difference between the Himalayan and peninsular rivers are tabulated below
The Himalayan rivers | The Peninsular rivers |
These rivers are perennial that is they have water throughout the year. | These rivers are seasonal. |
These rivers obtain water from rain as well as from melted snow from high mountains. | The flow of these rivers is based on rainfall. |
These rivers have large river basin | These rivers have a smaller basin as compared with the Himalayan rivers |
The rivers are mainly running in their youth stage | These rivers are considered as old rivers |
Two major Himalayan rivers, the Indus and the Brahmaputra originate from the north of the mountain ranges. | Most rivers of peninsular region originate in the Western Ghats and flow towards the Bay of Bengal. Godavari and Narmada are the main river system of peninsular rivers. |
The main source is from glaciers of the Himalayan mountain range | The main source of the river is the peninsular plateau and the central highland |
The Himalayan rivers have long duration courses from their source to the sea. | These rivers have shorter and shallower courses as compared to Himalayan rivers. |
Largest river among the Himalayan and peninsular river system
The river Brahmaputra is the largest among all the Himalayan river system. Brahmaputra runs from one country to another in the northeastern region.
About Brahmaputra River system
Godavari River system
The largest river of Peninsular India is Godavari. The second-longest river Godavari is called as Vridh Ganga. After Ganga, Godavari river takes the second position lengthwise.