Major Rivers of Bihar – Their Names, Origins, and Importance

Bihar is known as the Land of Rivers. Many big and small rivers flow through the state, shaping its land, culture, and economy. These rivers help in farming, provide drinking water, and hold deep religious importance. Most rivers of Bihar come from the Himalayas and finally join the Ganga River.

Major Rivers of Bihar – Their Names, Origins, and Importance

1. Ganga River – The Lifeline of Bihar

• Origin: Himalayas (enters Bihar at Chausa)
• Flows through: Patna, Bhagalpur, Munger
• Major Tributaries: Son, Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati, Punpun, Karmanasa
• Famous Structure: Mahatma Gandhi Setu connects North and South Bihar
• Importance: Supports agriculture, transport, and religious festivals like Chhath Puja.

2. Ghaghra (Saryu) River

• Origin: Nampa region, Nepal
• Joins Ganga: Near Chhapra
• Importance: Enriches farmlands and is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

3. Gandak River (Narayani in Nepal)

• Origin: North of Dhaulagiri Mountain, Himalayas
• Flows through: West Champaran, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Gopalganj
• Structures: Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar
• Use: Irrigation through the Triveni Canal System; forms boundary with Uttar Pradesh.

4. Burhi Gandak River

• Origin: Someshwar Hills, West Champaran
• Joins Ganga: At Khagaria
• Use: Major irrigation source for North Bihar.

5. Bagmati River

• Origin: Shivpuri Hills, Nepal
• Flows through: Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga
• Tributaries: Lalbakeya, Lakhandei
• Importance: Flows all year (perennial) and is sacred in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.

6. Kamla River

• Origin: Mahabharat Hills, Nepal
• Enters Bihar: Jainagar, Madhubani
• Tributaries: Dhauri, Soni, Balan
• Structures: Kamla Barrage for flood control and irrigation
• Merges with: Kosi River

7. Mahananda River

• Origin: Sikkim
• Enters Bihar: Purnia district
• Tributaries: Balason, Ratwa, Kankai
• Importance: Useful for agriculture and trade in eastern Bihar; joins Ganga in Bangladesh.

8. Son River

• Origin: Amarkantak Hills, Madhya Pradesh
• Joins Ganga: At Maner near Patna
• Tributaries: Rihand, North Koel
• Structures: Dehri Anicut, Indrapuri Barrage
• Note: Known for its wide and rocky riverbed.

9. Kosi River – “Sorrow of Bihar”

• Origin: Himalayas in Nepal
• Joins Ganga: Near Kursela, Katihar
• Tributaries: Seven (hence called Saptakoshi)
• Structures: Kosi Barrage for flood control
• Importance: Causes floods but also deposits fertile soil.

10. Punpun River

• Origin: Hazaribagh Plateau, Jharkhand
• Flows through: Aurangabad, Gaya, Patna
• Joins Ganga: At Fatuha
• Importance: Mentioned in ancient texts; linked to religious rituals in Gaya.

11. Phalgu (Niranjana) River

• Origin: Formed by Lilajan and Mohana rivers near Gaya
• Religious Importance: Pind Daan rituals performed here by Hindus; also respected by Buddhists.

12. Karmanasa River

• Origin: Rohtas Plateau
• Joins Ganga: Near Chausa
• Tributaries: Durgavati, Chandraprabha
• Importance: Known for scenic beauty and ancient historical mentions.

Importance of Rivers in Bihar

• Agriculture: Provide water for irrigation and fertile soil.
• Power: Support hydroelectric and irrigation projects.
• Culture: Central to festivals like Chhath Puja and rituals like Pind Daan.
• Economy: Help in fishing, transport, and trade.

Though rivers sometimes cause floods, they are the lifelines of Bihar and support millions of people.

Question & Answer

Q1. Which river is called the “Lifeline of Bihar”?
(a) Kosi
(b) Son
(c) Ganga
(d) Gandak
Answer: Ganga

Explanation: The Ganga River flows across Bihar and supports agriculture, transport, and religious life.

Q2. The Kosi River is also known as:
(a) River of Joy
(b) Saptakoshi
(c) Holy Stream
(d) Kamla
Answer: Saptakoshi

Explanation: Kosi has seven upper tributaries, so it is called Saptakoshi.

Q3. Which barrage is built on the Gandak River?
(a) Kosi Barrage
(b) Valmikinagar Barrage
(c) Indrapuri Barrage
(d) Dehri Anicut
Answer: Valmikinagar Barrage

Explanation: The Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar helps in irrigation and flood control.

Q4. The Punpun River joins the Ganga at:
(a) Patna
(b) Fatuha
(c) Gaya
(d) Khagaria
Answer: Fatuha

Explanation: The Punpun joins the Ganga at Fatuha near Patna.

Q5. The Son River originates from which hills?
(a) Mahabharat Hills
(b) Shivpuri Hills
(c) Amarkantak Hills
(d) Rohtas Plateau
Answer: Amarkantak Hills

Explanation: The Son River starts from the Amarkantak Hills in Madhya Pradesh.

Q6. Which river is famous for the Chhath Puja celebrations on its banks?
(a) Gandak
(b) Ganga
(c) Kosi
(d) Phalgu
Answer: Ganga

Explanation: Devotees offer prayers to the Sun God during Chhath Puja on the banks of the Ganga River.

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