Rivers in Ancient India (study)

by Archana Sarma | 2019 | 49,356 words

This page relates ‘The river Purushni or Ravi or Iravati and its present status’ of the study on the rivers in ancient India as reflected in the Vedic and Puranic texts. These pages dicsusses the elements of nature and the importance of rivers (Nadi) in Vedic and Puranic society. Distinctive traits of rivers are investigated from descriptions found in the Vedas (Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads and Puranas. The research is concluded by showing changing trends of rivers from ancient to modern times.

10. The river Puruṣṇī or Ravi or Irāvatī and its present status

In the Vedic literature this river, i.e. Puruṣṇī or Ravī is mentioned in the Nadīstuti sūkta of the Ṛgvedasaṃhitā.[1] But in the Purāṇa this river is known as Irāvatī.[2]

The Ravi or Puruṣṇī has its source in the kullu hills near the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. It flows in the northwest direction from its source and drains the area between the Pir Panjal and the Dhaola Dhar nanges. The river takes a south-westerly turn and cuts a deep gorge in the Dhaola Dhar range after crossing Chamba. It enters Punjab plains near Madhopur and later enters Pakistan 26km below Amritsar. It advances into the Chenāb, a little above Rabgpur in Pakistani Punjab after flowing for a distance of 725 km from its source. Its total catchment area is 14,442 sq km of which only 5,957 sq km lies in India. The annual flow of water in this river at Madhopur is 8,000 million cubic metres.[3]

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Ṛgveda Saṃhitā, 10.75.5

[3]:

Khuller, D.R., India, A Comprehensive Geography, 80-82

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