Brahmaputra River

Brahmaputra River (ब्रह्मपुत्र नदी) is a sacred river in northeastern India and Tibet.

Overview

The Brahmaputra is one of the longest rivers in Asia, flowing 3,848 km from its source in Tibet (where it is called Yarlung Tsangpo) through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. It is one of the few rivers that reverses its course and enters India from the east.

History and Legend

The Brahmaputra is mentioned in the Puranas and is named after Brahma, the creator god. In Tibet, the river is sacred in the Bön tradition. The river is known as the Tsangpo in Tibet, Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, and Brahmaputra in Assam. The Majuli island in the Brahmaputra is one of the world’s largest river islands and a centre of Vaishnavite culture.

Architecture and Features

Major sites along the Brahmaputra include Pasighat, Tezpur, Majuli, and Guwahati (Kamakhya Temple). The river is known for its braided channels and seasonal flooding. The Brahmaputra is the only male-named major river in India.

Modern Status

The Brahmaputra is a major source of water and hydroelectric potential for Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It faces severe flooding annually, causing significant damage. The river is also a subject of Chinese-Indian- Bangladeshi water diplomacy.

Verification Notes

• Brahmaputra mentioned in Puranas and Tibetan texts; course and hydrology documented by Indian and Chinese surveys.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).