India, with its rich cultural and geographical diversity, is blessed with an intricate network of rivers that have not only sustained life and civilization for millennia but have also been venerated and celebrated in myths, legends, and daily life. Many of these rivers are affectionately given nicknames that reflect their unique characteristics, the regions they flow through, or their significance to the people. Here’s a look at some of the most prominent Indian rivers and their endearing nicknames.
Indian rivers are vital lifelines, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and industry. They sustain agriculture, which is the backbone of the Indian economy, and support diverse ecosystems. Rivers also hold immense cultural and religious significance, featuring prominently in rituals and festivals. Additionally, they facilitate transportation and hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the country’s overall development and prosperity.
Indian rivers, revered and essential, carry unique nicknames reflecting their significance, cultural heritage, and the regions they nurture. From the Ganges, known as the Lifeline of India, to the Godavari, the Dakshina Ganga, these names highlight their enduring importance.
Here is the list of nicknames of Indian rivers:
| Rivers Name | Nicknames |
| Ghaggar River | Dead River |
| Brahmaputra River | Red River |
| Sharda River | Kali River |
| Umngot River | Transparent River |
| Kosi River | Sorrow of Bihar |
| Mahanadi | Sorrow of Odisha |
| Brahmaputra River | Sorrow of Assam |
| Damodar River | Sorrow of West Bengal |
| Damodar River | Sorrow of West Jharkhand |
| Doni River | Sorrow of Karnataka |
| Son River | Sorrow of Madhya Pradesh |
| Budameru River | Sorrow of Andhra Pradesh |
| Swan River | Sorrow of Himachal Pradesh |
| Godavari River | Vridha Ganga (Old Ganga) |
| Godavari River | Dakshina Ganga |
| Kaveri River | Ganges of South India |
| Kaveri River | Ardha Ganga |
| Luni River | Lavanavari (Salty River) |
| Yamuna River | Surya Putra |
| Koyna River | Lifeline of Maharashtra |
| Narmada River | Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh |
| Mandovi River | Lifeline of Goa |
| Teesta River | Lifeline of Sikkim |
| Periyar River | Lifeline of Kerala |
| Kaveri River | Lifeline of Karnataka |
| Mahanadi River | Lifeline of Odisha and Chhattisgarh |
| Beas River | Lifeline of Himachal Pradesh |
| Godavari River | Lifeline of Andhra Pradesh |
| Kaveri River | Lifeline of South India |
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