River
Rapti
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Tap a feature for its note.
Overview
The Rapti rises in Nepal and flows south-east into Uttar Pradesh through Shravasti, Balrampur and Gorakhpur districts.
It joins the Ghaghara near Barhaj in Deoria district. Gorakhpur city stands on its banks.
It floods frequently, and the ancient city of Shravasti, where the Buddha spent many rainy seasons, lies near it.
Geography and key facts
- Tributary of the Ghaghara
- Rises in Nepal
- Gorakhpur on its banks
- Near ancient Shravasti
Why it matters for UPSC
Don't confuse it with the East Rapti in Nepal's Chitwan. Shravasti was the capital of Kosala.
Note for UPSC
A Ghaghara tributary from Nepal; Gorakhpur stands on it.
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
No question in our Prelims bank names Rapti yet.
Key facts
- Type
- River
- State / UT
- Uttar Pradesh
- River system
- Himalayan
- Basin
- Ganga
- Extent on map
- 26.3°–26.6°N, 83.4°–83.7°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Physical Features and Drainage of India (map lesson)
- Drainage Systems of India: Himalayan and Peninsular Rivers (map lesson)
- The Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilisation (map lesson)
- Harappan Civilisation: Sites, Town Planning and Phases (map lesson)
- Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Magadha (map lesson)
More rivers (same basin first)
Also in the Ganga basin
Other places in Uttar Pradesh
Kosala (Shravasti)Mahajanapada · Uttar Pradesh4 PYQFatehpur SikriWorld Heritage Site · Uttar Pradesh2 PYQChauri Chaura (1922)Freedom-struggle site · Uttar Pradesh1 PYQSarnathBuddhist site · Uttar Pradesh1 PYQKashi (Varanasi)Mahajanapada · Uttar Pradesh1 PYQVatsa (Kaushambi)Mahajanapada · Uttar Pradesh1 PYQ