The Fascinating Story Behind the Names of 8  Indian Rivers

Ponnaiyar River (Karnataka,  Tamil Nadu)

Translating to "golden  river" in Tamil, its waters have nurtured farmlands for centuries. Originating in Karnataka’s Nandi Hills, it flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Galwan River  (Ladakh)

Named after Ladakhi  explorer Ghulam Rasool Galwan, this river flows through Aksai Chin. It's played a key role in trade routes and geopolitical tensions.

Thamirabarani River (Tamil Nadu)

Meaning "copper-colored  river" in Tamil, its reddish waters come from high mineral content. Flowing through Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, it’s one of Tamil Nadu’s rare perennial rivers.

Mahanadi River (Chhattisgarh,  Odisha)

Its Sanskrit name means " great river," reflecting its vastness. Originating in Chhattisgarh’s Sihawa Hills, it’s a major lifeline for Odisha, powering the massive  Hirakud Dam.

Bhavani River  (Tamil Nadu, Kerala)

Named after Bhavani town,  this river originated in the Nilgiris and merges with the Kaver, powering crucial hydropower and irrigation projects in Tamil Nadu.

Sabarmati River (Rajasthan &  Gujarat)

Its name is comes from the Sabara tribe, who were early inhabitants of the region. Originating in the Aravallis, it flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat, with the iconic Sabarmati Ashram on its banks.

Tapi River (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat)

Named after the goddess  Tapati, this river is one of India’s few that flows westward. It originates in Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Range and empties into the Arabian Sea, supporting cities like Surat.

Periyar River  (Kerala)

"Periyar" means "big river" in Malayalam, a fitting name for Kerala’s longest river. It sustains the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is a major water source for central Kerala.