Ghaggar
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Overview
The Ghaggar is a seasonal river that flows from the Shiwaliks through Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. It is often linked with the ancient Saraswati.
Many Harappan sites found in India after 1947 lie along the Ghaggar–Hakra system, including Kalibangan, which is why some scholars call it the Indus–Sarasvati civilisation. The drying of the Ghaggar–Hakra is one suggested cause of the Harappan decline.
Geography and key facts
- Seasonal river from the Shiwaliks
- States: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
- Often linked with the ancient Saraswati
- Many Harappan sites lie along it (e.g. Kalibangan)
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked in a 2000 statements question on the Ghaggar's waters.
Note for UPSC
A seasonal river from the Shiwaliks through Haryana and Rajasthan; often linked with the ancient Saraswati.
Prelims asks about tributaries, the states a river flows through, its basin and the projects on it, so trace the course on the map.
Asked in PYQs
- UPSC Prelims 2000 · Q52Which one of the following statements is not true?…
Questions from our Prelims bank whose text names Ghaggar.
Key facts
- Type
- River
- States / UTs on its course
- Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab
- River system
- Himalayan
- Basin
- Indus
- Extent on map
- 29.1°–30.8°N, 73.1°–77.1°E
- Asked in Prelims
- 1 question · 2000
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- The Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilisation
- Harappan Civilisation: Sites, Town Planning and Phases
- Harappan Economy, Religion, Art and Decline
- Physical Features and Drainage of India (map lesson)
- Drainage Systems of India: Himalayan and Peninsular Rivers (map lesson)
- Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Magadha (map lesson)