Major Rivers of Bihar – Complete Detailed Study Notes for BPSC, UPSC & SSC

Major Rivers of Bihar – Complete Study Notes

These notes cover all important rivers of Bihar including their origin, tributaries, flood impact, irrigation importance and geographical significance. Important for BPSC, UPSC, SSC and Bihar State Exams.

1. Ganga River

  • Source: Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand)
  • Flows through Bihar districts: Buxar, Patna, Bhagalpur, Munger
  • Major Tributaries in Bihar: Son, Gandak, Kosi, Punpun

The Ganga is the lifeline of Bihar. It divides Bihar into North and South Bihar. Most agriculture and irrigation depend on the Ganga river system.

2. Kosi River

  • Source: Tibet (Himalayas)
  • Known as: Sorrow of Bihar
  • Tributary of: Ganga

The Kosi River frequently changes its course and causes severe floods in North Bihar. It brings large amounts of silt and affects districts like Supaul and Saharsa.

3. Gandak River

  • Source: Nepal Himalayas
  • Other Name: Narayani
  • Joins: Ganga near Patna

The Gandak River is important for irrigation and agriculture in West Champaran and Gopalganj. Gandak Barrage helps in irrigation projects.

4. Son River

  • Source: Amarkantak Plateau
  • Tributary of: Ganga
  • Important Dam: Indrapuri Barrage

The Son River flows through Rohtas district and joins the Ganga near Patna. It supports irrigation in South Bihar.

5. Punpun River

  • Source: Jharkhand
  • Tributary of: Ganga

The Punpun River flows through Patna and Gaya districts. It causes floods during monsoon season.

6. Bagmati River

  • Source: Nepal
  • Tributary of: Kosi

The Bagmati River flows through Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur. It causes heavy floods during rainy season.

7. Kamla River

  • Source: Nepal Himalayas
  • Tributary of: Kosi

Kamla River affects Madhubani and Darbhanga districts. It is important for agriculture but also causes flooding.

8. Mahananda River

  • Source: Darjeeling Hills
  • Tributary of: Ganga

The Mahananda River flows through Purnia and Katihar districts. It is important for irrigation in eastern Bihar.

9. Falgu River

  • Location: Gaya
  • Formed by: Confluence of Lilajan & Mohana rivers

The Falgu River has religious importance in Gaya. It is associated with Pind Daan rituals.

10. Ghaghara (Sarayu)

  • Source: Tibet
  • Tributary of: Ganga

The Ghaghara flows along the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh border. It contributes to irrigation and floodplains.

Flood Problem in Bihar

  • North Bihar rivers originate from Nepal Himalayas.
  • Heavy monsoon rainfall causes annual floods.
  • Kosi is most destructive river.
  • Large silt deposition affects agriculture.

Geographical Importance

  • Supports Agriculture (Rice, Wheat, Maize)
  • Irrigation through Canal Systems
  • Hydroelectric Potential
  • Religious & Cultural Importance
  • Fertile Alluvial Soil

Very Important for BPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bihar Police & State Level Exams