saraswati river system for 17 January 2026

The Saraswati River System was an ancient river network mentioned in the Rigveda and other Indian texts as a mighty and sacred river. It originated from the Himalayan region, possibly near the Bandarpunch range. The river flowed through present-day Haryana and Rajasthan before reaching the Arabian Sea. Over time, tectonic movements and climate change led to its gradual disappearance.

Saraswati River System

The Saraswati River System refers to an ancient river network that once flowed through northwestern India, primarily covering parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. In ancient Indian texts, Saraswati is described as a mighty, perennial river flowing from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea.

Today, the Saraswati River is believed to survive in a subterranean form, with its remnants identified through satellite imagery, palaeo-channels, and groundwater studies. Modern rivers such as the Ghaggar, Hakra, Chautang, and Drishadvati are considered parts of its ancient system.

Saraswati River System Historical Background

The Saraswati River System holds immense historical significance as one of the most revered rivers of ancient India.

• The Saraswati River is extensively mentioned in Rigveda, Mahabharata, and Puranas as a sacred and mighty river.
• It was described as “Naditama” (the greatest of rivers) in Vedic texts.
• The river formed the backbone of early Vedic civilization and settlements.
• Archaeological evidence shows that more than 1,500 Harappan sites existed along its basin.
• Ancient towns like Kalibangan, Banawali, and Rakhigarhi developed along its banks.
• The river supported agriculture, trade, and urban life during the Bronze Age.
• Over time, tectonic shifts and climatic changes led to its gradual decline.
• By around 1500 BCE, the river had largely dried up, influencing the decline of Harappan culture.

Saraswati River System Origin

The Saraswati River originated from the Himalayan region, likely near the Bandarpunch range close to Yamunotri. It was initially fed by glacial rivers such as the Sutlej and Yamuna, making it a perennial river in ancient times. The river flowed southwest through present-day Haryana and Rajasthan before reaching the Arabian Sea. Later, tectonic movements diverted its feeder rivers, leading to the decline of the Saraswati River System.

Also Read: Indus River System

Geological Evidence of the Saraswati River

Geological, hydrological, and satellite-based studies provide strong scientific evidence for the existence of the Saraswati River. These findings confirm that a large, perennial Himalayan river once flowed through northwest India before disappearing due to tectonic and climatic changes.

• Satellite Imagery Evidence: Images from ISRO, NASA, and French satellite missions clearly show wide, buried palaeo-channels beneath the Thar Desert, matching the ancient course described in Vedic texts.
• Palaeo-Channel Mapping: Geological surveys have identified extensive palaeo-river networks extending from Haryana → Rajasthan → Rann of Kutch, confirming the former presence of a large river system.
• Sediment Analysis: Studies of sand and silt deposits reveal Himalayan-origin sediments, indicating that the river was once fed by glacial sources rather than local rainfall.
• Groundwater Investigation: Freshwater aquifers found along the ancient river path suggest continuous water flow in the past. Many wells in Rajasthan still tap water from these buried channels.
• Carbon Dating Evidence: Carbon dating of organic material from riverbeds indicates that the Saraswati was active between 5000 BCE and 3000 BCE, aligning with the Harappan period.
• Tectonic Evidence: Geological faults and plate movements show that the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers shifted their courses, cutting off the main water supply of the Saraswati.
• Climatic Evidence: Paleoclimatic studies indicate a decline in monsoon intensity around 2000 BCE, which further accelerated the drying of the river.
• Archaeological Correlation: Over 1,500 Harappan sites found along the Ghaggar-Hakra belt strengthen the link between human settlements and the ancient Saraswati River.

Also Read: Ganga River System

Saraswati River and Ghaggar-Hakra System

The Ghaggar-Hakra River system is widely identified as the present-day remnant of the ancient Saraswati River. The Ghaggar flows through Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, while its continuation in Pakistan is known as the Hakra River.

• The Ghaggar-Hakra is considered the surface expression of the ancient Saraswati River.
• Satellite images reveal a broad palaeo-channel beneath the Ghaggar-Hakra basin, indicating a once mighty river.
• More than 1,500 Harappan and pre-Harappan sites are located along this river system, showing its importance for early civilization.
• The river was once perennial, fed by Himalayan rivers like the Sutlej and Yamuna.
• Due to tectonic shifts, the Sutlej moved westward to the Indus system and the Yamuna shifted eastward to the Ganga basin.
• This diversion reduced water flow, turning the Ghaggar-Hakra into a seasonal river.
• Archaeological sites such as Kalibangan, Banawali, and Rakhigarhi flourished along this river.
• The drying of the Ghaggar-Hakra is considered a major reason for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization in this region.

Also Read: Yamuna River System

Saraswati River Disappearance and Causes

The disappearance of the Saraswati River was a gradual natural process influenced by geological, climatic, and hydrological changes. Once a mighty perennial river, it slowly dried up over thousands of years, leading to major ecological and cultural transformations in northwestern India.

• Tectonic Movements: Major tectonic shifts in the Himalayan region altered river courses. The Sutlej shifted westward towards the Indus, while the Yamuna moved eastward to join the Ganga, cutting off the Saraswati’s main water sources.
• River Capture Phenomenon: The diversion of feeder rivers due to tectonic uplift led to the capture of Saraswati’s waters by neighboring river systems, drastically reducing its flow.
• Climate Change and Monsoon Weakening: Paleoclimatic studies indicate a decline in monsoon intensity around 2000 BCE, reducing rainfall and glacial melt that sustained the river.
• Loss of Glacial Support: With the shifting of Himalayan rivers, the Saraswati lost its glacial origin and became dependent only on seasonal rainfall.
• Increasing Aridity in Northwest India: Expansion of the Thar Desert and arid conditions accelerated the drying of the river basin.
• Sedimentation and Channel Siltation: Continuous deposition of sediments reduced the river’s depth and flow capacity.