Koshi River

Koshi River (कोशी नदी) is a major tributary of the Ganga in Nepal and Bihar.

Overview

The Koshi is one of the largest tributaries of the Ganga, flowing over 729 km from its source in the Tibetan plateau through Nepal and the Bihar plains. It is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’ due to its devastating floods and frequent course changes.

History and Legend

The Koshi is mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. The river was historically significant as a boundary between the Mithila and Magadha regions. The ancient kingdom of Videha, associated with the Ramayana hero Rama, was in the Koshi basin. The name Koshi is derived from the Sanskrit ‘Kaushiki.’

Architecture and Features

Major sites along the Koshi include the Koshi Barrage (an India-Nepal joint project), the·· (Gupteshwar Nath Temple) at Katauna, and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The river is known for its braided channels and shifting course.

Modern Status

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Nepal protects the river’s floodplain ecosystem. The Koshi Barrage is a critical flood control and irrigation structure. The river remains a major concern for flood management in Bihar.

Verification Notes

• Koshi documented as ‘Sorrow of Bihar’; Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve established 1976.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).