The Narmada River, also known as Reva, Narbada, or anglicised as Nerbudda, holds a prominent place in India’s geographical and cultural landscape. Known as ‘The Giver of Pleasure’ in Sanskrit, it is the fifth-longest river in India and the longest west-streaming river in the country. Flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, it forms a natural boundary between North and South India.
The Narmada River begins at the Narmada Kund, a small reservoir located on Amarkantak Hill in East Madhya Pradesh. This area sits at an elevation of 1,057 meters (3,467.8 feet) above sea level. The river flows westward through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, traversing between the Vindhya and Satpura hill ranges. It eventually empties into the Gulf of Cambay in the Arabian Sea, approximately 10 kilometers north of Bharuch, Gujarat.
With a total length of 1,312 kilometers (815 miles), the Narmada River is the fifth longest river in India. Its basin extends over 98,796 square kilometers, which is nearly 3% of India’s total geographical area. The basin is bordered by the Vindhya ranges to the north, the Maikala range to the east, the Satpura ranges to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. Notably, the Tropic of Cancer crosses the upper plains of the Narmada basin.
The Narmada River is fed by 41 tributaries, with 8 significant tributaries joining from the right bank and 11 from the left bank. Key tributaries include:
The Narmada River basin covers approximately 3% of India’s geographical area, with a surface area of 98,796 square kilometers. The basin is bordered by the Vindhya Range to the north, the Maikala Range to the east, the Satpura Range to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west.
The Narmada River Basin supports a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. It is home to 76 types of fauna and 276 bird species, none of which are endemic. Approximately 30% of the basin’s area is covered in pristine vegetation, with 5% of this region being protected.
Notable protected areas include:
The Narmada River is deeply embedded in cultural and spiritual traditions. According to legend, a plunge in its waters can absolve sins. The river is frequently mentioned in ancient texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Puranas. It is also believed that the river originated from Lord Shiva’s perspiration, symbolizing purity and sanctity.
The Narmada River is known as "The Giver of Pleasure" in Sanskrit and holds cultural and geographical significance in India. It is the fifth-longest river in the country and the longest west-streaming river.
The Narmada River originates from the Narmada Kund, a small reservoir located on Amarkantak Hill in East Madhya Pradesh, at an elevation of 1,057 meters (3,467.8 feet) above sea level.
The Narmada River is 1,312 kilometers (815 miles) long.
The basin area of the Narmada River is 98,796 square kilometers, covering nearly 3% of India's total geographical area.
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