Rives
Rivers are natural flowing water bodies that shape the geography, support agriculture, and sustain life.
- Indian rivers are classified into Himalayan (perennial) and Peninsular (seasonal) systems.
- Bihar is a river-rich state with the Ganga and its many tributaries flowing across it.
๐ PYQ (BPSC 66th): Which river is known as the "Sorrow of Bihar"? โ Kosi
Classification of Indian Rivers
1. Himalayan Rivers
- Origin: Glaciers (e.g., Gangotri, Yamunotri, Satopanth)
- Perennial: Flow throughout the year
- High silt content, cause floods and meanders
Major Rivers:
- Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi
2. Peninsular Rivers
- Origin: Plateaus and hills
- Seasonal: Depend on monsoon rains
- Mostly have fixed courses with waterfalls
Major Rivers:
- Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Mahanadi, Narmada, Tapi
๐ PYQ (BPSC 65th): Which river flows westward in Peninsular India? โ Narmada
River System of Bihar
Bihar is divided into two river basins:
A. North Bihar Rivers
- Originate in Nepal Himalayas
- Prone to frequent floods due to heavy rainfall and siltation
Main Rivers:
- Gandak โ Enters Bihar at Valmikinagar (West Champaran)
- Kosi โ Enters at Bhardaha (Supaul); shifts course frequently
- Bagmati โ Flows through Sitamarhi, Darbhanga
- Burhi Gandak โ Originates in Nepal, flows parallel to Gandak
- Ghaghara, Kamla, Adhwara group
๐ Expected MCQ: Which river in Bihar changes its course frequently? โ Kosi
B. South Bihar Rivers
- Originate in Chotanagpur Plateau
- Seasonal in nature, flow towards Ganga
Main Rivers:
- Son River โ Joins Ganga near Maner (Patna)
- Punpun โ Origin: Palamu; flows through Patna
- Falgu โ Gaya district; sacred importance
- Kiul, Badua โ Tributaries of Ganga
The Ganga River
- Lifeline of Bihar
- Enters Bihar at Chausa (Buxar) and exits at Manihari (Katihar)
- Divides Bihar into north and south regions
- Major tributaries: Gandak, Ghaghara, Kosi, Son
๐ PYQ (BPSC 64th): Where does the Ganga enter Bihar? โ Chausa (Buxar)
Significance of Rivers in Bihar
- Agriculture โ Provide irrigation and fertile alluvial soil
- Hydropower & Canals โ Gandak and Kosi projects
- Transport & Livelihood โ Inland navigation, fisheries
- Religious Value โ Ganga, Falgu (Gaya), Punpun (Chhath Puja)
Major River Projects in Bihar
- Gandak Barrage โ At Valmikinagar
- Kosi Barrage โ Hanuman Nagar, Nepal
- Sone Canal System โ For irrigation
- Ganga Water Lift Scheme โ Under Bihar Jal Nischay
Quick Revision Points
- Rivers of Bihar = Ganga and its tributaries
- North Bihar โ Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, Burhi Gandak
- South Bihar โ Son, Punpun, Falgu, Kiul
- Kosi = Sorrow of Bihar, Son = Southern tributary
- Ganga enters Bihar at Buxar, exits at Katihar
- Most rivers from Nepal โ prone to floods in north Bihar
Sources Used
- NCERT Class 9 & 11 Geography โ Drainage System
- Lucent GK โ Geography Section
- Drishti Bihar Special Book
- Bihar Economic Survey
- Ghatna Chakra PYQs โ BPSC/DPCS