Major Rivers of Rajasthan – Complete Detailed Study Notes for UPSC & RPSC

Major Rivers of Rajasthan – Complete Study Notes

These notes cover all important rivers of Rajasthan including their origin, basin, tributaries, dams, drainage pattern and geographical importance. Very important for UPSC, RPSC, SSC and Rajasthan State Exams.

Drainage System of Rajasthan

  • Rajasthan has both inland (endorheic) and external drainage systems.
  • Major part of western Rajasthan has inland drainage.
  • Eastern Rajasthan rivers flow into Yamuna or Arabian Sea.

1. Chambal River

  • Source: Janapav Hills, Madhya Pradesh
  • Tributary of: Yamuna
  • Flows through: Kota, Dholpur
  • Major Projects: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar, Kota Barrage

Chambal is the only perennial river of Rajasthan. It forms deep ravines and is important for irrigation and hydropower.

2. Luni River

  • Source: Aravalli Hills near Ajmer
  • Drainage: Inland drainage (Rann of Kutch)
  • Nature: Saline water in lower course

Luni is the largest river of western Rajasthan. It flows through Jodhpur and Barmer. It disappears into the marshy land of Rann of Kutch.

3. Banas River

  • Source: Aravalli Range
  • Tributary of: Chambal
  • Flows through: Udaipur, Tonk

Banas River is entirely within Rajasthan. It is important for irrigation in eastern Rajasthan.

4. Mahi River

  • Source: Vindhya Range
  • Flows into: Arabian Sea
  • Important Dam: Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam

Mahi flows through southern Rajasthan. It supports irrigation and hydroelectric projects.

5. Sabarmati River

  • Source: Aravalli Hills (Udaipur district)
  • Flows into: Arabian Sea

Sabarmati originates in Rajasthan but flows mainly through Gujarat. It is important for irrigation in southern Rajasthan.

6. Banganga River

  • Source: Aravalli Hills
  • Tributary of: Yamuna

Banganga flows through Jaipur region. It is seasonal and depends on monsoon rainfall.

7. Ghaggar River

  • Source: Shivalik Hills
  • Nature: Seasonal river

Ghaggar flows through northern Rajasthan. It is believed to be associated with the ancient Saraswati River.

8. Kakney & Other Inland Rivers

  • Found in western desert region.
  • Water disappears into sandy soil.

Important Dams in Rajasthan

  • Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
  • Gandhi Sagar Dam
  • Kota Barrage
  • Mahi Bajaj Sagar

Exam Important Points

  • Chambal – Only perennial river
  • Luni – Largest river of western Rajasthan
  • Banas – Entirely within Rajasthan
  • Most rivers are seasonal
  • Western Rajasthan – Inland drainage

Very Important for UPSC, RPSC, SSC, Rajasthan Police & State Exams