The Brahmaputra River System is one of the most important rivers in India and South Asia. It flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh, and has many tributaries.
This river helps in farming, fishing, and transport. In this post, you will learn about the origin, length, map, and all key facts about the Brahmaputra River.
These notes are very helpful for SSC, Banking, RRB NTPC, UPSC, and all state-level exams under Indian geography. Read on to understand this mighty river in an easy and exam-friendly way!
Let’s explore this fascinating river system in a simple and exam-ready format!
Origin and Names of the River
➤ Where does the Brahmaputra River start?
- The Brahmaputra River starts from the Angsi Glacier near Mount Kailash in Tibet (China).
- In Tibet, it is called Yarlung Tsangpo.
- After entering India, the river is called Siang or Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh.
- In Assam, it becomes the Brahmaputra.
- In Bangladesh, it is known as the Jamuna.
📝 Important Point:
The Brahmaputra is one of the very few major rivers in India that has a male name. Most other rivers (like Ganga, Yamuna) are considered female.
Course of the Brahmaputra River
Let’s understand the path of this mighty river in simple steps.
| Country/State | Name of the River | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Tibet (China) | Yarlung Tsangpo | Flows in high mountains |
| Arunachal Pradesh (India) | Siang / Dihang | Enters India, fast flow through hills |
| Assam (India) | Brahmaputra | Becomes wide and calm, forms islands |
| Bangladesh | Jamuna | Merges with Ganga and Meghna to form delta |
Brahmaputra River tributaries map
Major Tributaries of the Brahmaputra River
Tributaries are small rivers that join a main river. The Brahmaputra has many tributaries that increase its size and power.
➤ Left Bank Tributaries
| River Name | Source / Origin |
|---|---|
| Lhasa | Northern slopes of the Himalayas in Tibet |
| Nyang | Nyang Lake region, west of Lhasa, Tibet |
| Parlung Zangbo | Tibet, a tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo |
| Lohit | Eastern Himalayas, near China-Arunachal border |
| Dikhow | Naga Hills, Nagaland |
| Jhanji | Mokokchung district, Nagaland |
| Dhansiri | Laisang Peak, Nagaland |
| Kolong | Branch of Brahmaputra near Nagaon, Assam |
| Kopili | Khasi Hills, Meghalaya |
| Kulsi | Meghalaya hills near East Garo Hills |
| Krishnai | Meghalaya (rises near Dudhnoi region) |
| Upper Meghna | Barak River system in Assam/Manipur (Becomes Meghna in Bangladesh) |
➤ Right Bank Tributaries
| River Name | Source / Origin |
|---|---|
| Kameng | Eastern Himalayas in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Manas | Bhutan Himalayas near the Black Mountains |
| Raidak | Northern Bhutan, known as Wang Chhu in upper course |
| Jaldhaka | Originates from Bitang Lake in Sikkim-Bhutan border |
| Teesta | Tso Lhamo Lake, Sikkim Himalayas |
| Subansiri | Mountains of Tibet, enters India near Arunachal Pradesh |
| Simen | Hills of Arunachal Pradesh |
✅ Pro Tip for Exams:
Remember the Subansiri is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra. The Teesta River is often in news due to water-sharing issues between India and Bangladesh, making it a current affairs + geography combo topic.
Special Features of the Brahmaputra
🌍 Unique and Interesting Facts
- 🏝️ Majuli Island (in Assam) – World’s largest river island
- 🌊 It is a braided river – flows in many small channels that merge and split again
- 🏞️ Carries a huge amount of sediment, forming fertile land
Importance of the Brahmaputra River
The Brahmaputra is very important for people, plants, animals, and the environment.
🧑🌾 Agriculture
- The river brings fertile soil every year during floods
- Helps farmers grow rice, tea, jute, and vegetables
🛶 Transport
- Used as a waterway for boats and cargo
- Reduces transport costs in Assam and Bangladesh
🐟 Fishing and Livelihood
- Supports a large fishing industry
- Provides jobs to thousands of people
🌿 Biodiversity
- Home to rare animals like the Gangetic dolphin, water buffalo, and many birds
Challenges Faced by the River
Like all great rivers, the Brahmaputra also faces some problems:
| Problem | Effect |
|---|---|
| Flooding | Causes damage to crops, homes, and roads |
| Riverbank Erosion | Destroys land and villages |
| Climate Change | Glaciers melting, changes in water level |
⚠️ Remember: While the Brahmaputra gives life, it can also cause danger if not managed properly.
Brahmaputra and International Relations
- The Brahmaputra flows through three countries: China, India, and Bangladesh.
- All three must work together to use the river peacefully and fairly.
- Dams or water projects in one country can affect the others downstream.
How many bridges are there on the Brahmaputra River?
The Brahmaputra River is spanned by several significant bridges that enhance connectivity across its vast expanse. In Assam, India, there are currently six major bridges over the Brahmaputra River:
- Saraighat Bridge: The first rail-cum-road bridge near Guwahati, opened in 1963.
- New Saraighat Bridge: A road bridge adjacent to the original, enhancing traffic capacity.
- Kolia Bhomora Setu: A 3.15 km long bridge near Tezpur, connecting Sonitpur with Nagaon.
- Naranarayan Setu: A bridge near Jogighopa, facilitating road and rail transport.
- Bogibeel Bridge: A 4.94 km long rail-cum-road bridge near Dibrugarh, inaugurated in 2018.
- Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya Bridge): The longest, stretching 9.15 km, connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, operational since 2017.
Additionally, several bridges are under construction or proposed to further improve connectivity in the region.
In Tibet (China), satellite imagery indicates the existence of approximately 4 to 5 bridges over the Brahmaputra, known locally as the Yarlung Tsangpo. These include the Ziajhulinzhen Bridge, Nyingchi Bridge, and Shigatse Bridge, among others.
In Bangladesh, the river is referred to as the Jamuna, with notable bridges such as the Bangabandhu Bridge facilitating road and rail connections.
Quick Revision Table
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Angsi Glacier, Tibet |
| Length in India | Around 916 km |
| Longest Tributary | Subansiri River |
| River Island | Majuli (world’s largest) |
| Flows Through | Tibet → Arunachal Pradesh → Assam → Bangladesh |
| Final Merge | Joins Ganga (Padma) and Meghna in Bangladesh |
Exam Booster Tips
- ✔️ Draw and label a map of the Brahmaputra for practice
- ✔️ Learn tributaries using mnemonics (e.g., SKMS for Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, Sankosh)
- ✔️ Remember the unique facts like Majuli Island
- ✔️ Stay updated with current affairs related to dams or floods in the region
Final Words of Motivation
The Brahmaputra River is more than just a river—it is a lifeline for millions of people. Whether you’re preparing for SSC, Railway, State PSC, or UPSC, mastering this topic will give you an edge. Keep revising, use mind maps, and believe in your preparation. 💪
“Like the Brahmaputra, flow with purpose. Carve your way through obstacles!”
Important FAQs
Answer:
The Brahmaputra River flows through the following Indian states:
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
West Bengal
🔹 Note: Before entering India, it flows through Tibet (China) where it is known as Yarlung Tsangpo, and after India, it flows through Bangladesh where it is called the Jamuna.
Answer:
As of 2024, there are 6 major bridges on the Brahmaputra River in Assam:
Saraighat Bridge
New Saraighat Bridge
Kolia Bhomora Setu
Naranarayan Setu
Bogibeel Bridge
Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya Bridge)
Answer:
The Brahmaputra River originates from the Chema-yung-dung Glacier near Mount Kailash in Tibet (China).
🔹 It is called the Yarlung Tsangpo in its upper course.
Answer:
The total length of the Brahmaputra River is approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles).
In India, it flows for about 916 km.
In Tibet, it covers around 1,625 km.
In Bangladesh, it flows for about 337 km
Answer:
The Brahmaputra is known as the Red River due to the reddish silt it carries during the monsoon season, especially in Assam.
🌧️ Heavy rains erode the red soil in the hills, and the river carries this iron-rich sediment, giving the water a reddish-brown color.
Answer:
The Subansiri River is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
It originates from the Tibet Himalayas and enters India through Arunachal Pradesh.
It joins the Brahmaputra in Assam, contributing significantly to its flow.
