Vaigai
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Overview
The Vaigai rises in the Varusanadu hills of the Western Ghats in Theni district, Tamil Nadu, and flows east past Madurai to the Palk Bay near Ramanathapuram.
It is fed by water diverted from the Periyar through the Mullaperiyar dam. It often dries up before reaching the sea.
The Vaigai dam stores its water, and the Keezhadi archaeological site lies in its basin.
Geography and key facts
- Rises in the Western Ghats, Theni
- Flows past Madurai
- Fed by Periyar diversion (Mullaperiyar)
- Keezhadi site in its basin
Why it matters for UPSC
Keezhadi excavations and the Mullaperiyar dispute are frequent topics.
Note for UPSC
Flows through Madurai to the Palk Bay; often dries before reaching the sea.
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 Vaigai yet.
Key facts
- Type
- River
- State / UT
- Tamil Nadu
- River system
- Peninsular
- Basin
- East-flowing (south)
- Extent on map
- 9.3°–10.1°N, 77.4°–79.0°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)