Key Facts About Ken and Betwa Rivers - Geography | UPSC Learning
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Key Facts About Ken and Betwa Rivers
Easy⏱️ 8 min read
geography
📖 Introduction
<h4>Introduction to the Ken and Betwa Rivers</h4><p>The <strong>Ken</strong> and <strong>Betwa</strong> are two significant rivers of the <strong>Peninsular India</strong>, flowing primarily through <strong>Madhya Pradesh</strong> and <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong>. They are crucial components of the <strong>Yamuna river system</strong> and hold immense importance for the water-stressed <strong>Bundelkhand region</strong>.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'>Understanding the origins, courses, and confluences of these rivers is vital for <strong>UPSC Prelims</strong>, especially questions related to Indian Geography and River Systems.</div><h4>The Ken River: Origin and Course</h4><p>The <strong>Ken River</strong> originates near <strong>Ahirgawan village</strong>, situated on the <strong>north-west slopes</strong> of the <strong>Kaimur hills</strong>. This source lies within the <strong>Jabalpur district</strong> of <strong>Madhya Pradesh</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><strong>Origin Point:</strong> Ahirgawan village, Kaimur hills, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.</div><p>The river flows generally northward before merging with the mighty <strong>Yamuna River</strong>. Its confluence point is located at <strong>Chilla village</strong>, near <strong>Fatehpur</strong> in <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><strong>Confluence:</strong> Yamuna River at Chilla village, Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh.</div><h4>Unique Features and Tributaries of Ken</h4><p>The <strong>Ken River</strong> is particularly renowned for the presence of the rare <strong>Sajhar stone</strong>. This unique stone is a significant local resource and contributes to the region's geological distinctiveness.</p><div class='key-point-box'>The <strong>Sajhar stone</strong> is a unique geological feature associated with the <strong>Ken River basin</strong>.</div><p>Several smaller rivers contribute to the flow of the Ken as its major tributaries. These include a network of streams and rivers that join its main course.</p><ul><li><strong>Major Tributaries:</strong> <strong>Bawas</strong>, <strong>Dewar</strong>, <strong>Kainth</strong>, <strong>Bairma</strong>, <strong>Kopra</strong>, and <strong>Bearma</strong>.</li></ul><h4>The Betwa River: Source and Journey</h4><p>The <strong>Betwa River</strong> has its origins in the <strong>Vindhya Range</strong>, a prominent mountain range in central India. Its source is located within the state of <strong>Madhya Pradesh</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><strong>Origin Point:</strong> Vindhya Range, Madhya Pradesh.</div><p>After originating, the <strong>Betwa</strong> flows extensively through the historically and geographically significant <strong>Bundelkhand region</strong>. This region spans parts of both <strong>Madhya Pradesh</strong> and <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong>.</p><p>Similar to the Ken, the <strong>Betwa River</strong> also eventually meets the <strong>Yamuna River</strong>. Its confluence occurs at <strong>Hamirpur</strong>, a town located in <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><strong>Confluence:</strong> Yamuna River at Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh.</div><h4>Betwa's Tributaries and Ancient Name</h4><p>The <strong>Betwa River</strong> is fed by several tributaries that contribute to its volume and flow. These rivers are vital for the local hydrology of the regions they traverse.</p><ul><li><strong>Major Tributaries:</strong> <strong>Newan</strong>, <strong>Orr</strong>, and <strong>Dhasan</strong>.</li></ul><p>Historically, the <strong>Betwa River</strong> was known by a different name. This ancient appellation provides insight into the river's long-standing presence and cultural significance in the region.</p><div class='info-box'>In ancient times, the <strong>Betwa River</strong> was referred to as <strong>Vetravati</strong>.</div>

💡 Key Takeaways
- •Ken River originates in Kaimur hills (Jabalpur, MP), meets Yamuna at Chilla (UP).
- •Ken is known for the rare Sajhar stone; major tributaries include Bawas, Dewar, Kainth, Bairma, Kopra, Bearma.
- •Betwa River originates in Vindhya Range (MP), flows through Bundelkhand, meets Yamuna at Hamirpur (UP).
- •Betwa's ancient name was Vetravati; major tributaries are Newan, Orr, Dhasan.
- •Both rivers are vital for the water-stressed Bundelkhand region and are part of the Ken-Betwa Link Project.
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📚 Reference Sources
•National Water Development Agency (NWDA) reports on Ken-Betwa Link Project
•NCERT Geography textbooks (Class XI, XII) for river systems in India
•Government of India reports on Bundelkhand development