Beas River: Detailed Information

1. Origin and Source

• The Beas River originates from the Rohtang Pass, located at an elevation of 13,050 feet (3,978 meters).
  
• Specifically, it emerges from a cavern near Rohtang Pass.
  
• The river’s source is close to Beas Kund.
• The northern and eastern tributaries of the Beas are generally perennial and snow-fed, while the southern tributaries tend to be seasonal.

2. Ancient Names

• Vedic name: Arjiki or Arjikiva.
  
• Sanskrit name: Vipasha.
  

3. Course and Flow

• The Beas flows from its source as a clear, easy-flowing mountain river, but it can become a powerful torrent during the monsoon season.
  
• It flows through the Kullu Valley and Kangra Valley.
  
• The river passes through important towns and settlements.
  

4. Tributaries

• The Beas River has a network of tributaries.
  
• Key Tributaries:
  
  • Parbati River
    
  • Spin River
    
  • Malana Nala
    
  • Solang Nala
    
  • Manalsu River
    
  • Sujoin Stream
    
  • Phojal Stream
    
  • Sarvari Stream
    
  • Awa River
    
  • Baner River (Baner Khad)
    
  • Banganga River
    
  • Chakki River
    
  • Gaj Khad
    
  • Harla River
    
  • Luni River
    
  • Manuni River
    
  • Patlikhul River
    
  • Sainj River
    
  • Suketi River
    
  • Tirthan River
    
  • Uhl River
    
• ( Tributaries by Location:
  
  • In the East: Parbati, Spin, and Malana Nala.
    
  • In the West: Solang, Manalsu, Sujoin, Phojal, and Sarvari streams.
    
  • In Kangra: Binwa, Neogal, Banganga, Gaj, Dehr, and Chakki (from the North); Kunah, Maseh, Khairan, and ‘Man’ (from the South).
    
  • In Mandi: Hansa, Tirthan, Bakhli, Jiuni, Suketi, Panddi, Son, and Bather.
    
• The Northern and Eastern tributaries are generally perennial and snow-fed, while the Southern tributaries tend to be seasonal.
  Tributaries of the Beas River

The Beas River has a significant number of tributaries that contribute to its flow. These tributaries can be categorized by the general area or side from which they join the main river.

1. Eastern Tributaries

These tributaries generally originate from the higher ranges to the east of the Beas River.

• Parbati River:
  
  • The Parbati River rises in the snowy regions upstream of Manikaran in the Kullu district.  
  • It is fed by glaciers descending from the main Himalayan range.  
  • The Parbati River joins the Beas at Shamshi in the Kullu Valley.  
  • This river is notable for the hot springs at Manikaran, which discharge water into it.  
• Spin River:
  
• Malana Nala:
  

2. Western Tributaries

These tributaries typically originate from the slopes and ranges to the west of the Beas River.

• Solang Nala:
  
• Manalsu River: .
  
• Sujoin Stream:
  
• Phojal Stream:
  
• Sarvari Stream:
  

3. Tributaries in the Kangra Region

These tributaries join the Beas as it flows through the Kangra Valley.

• From the North:
  • Binwa River: .
    
  • Neogal River: .
    
  • Banganga River:
    
    • The Banganga River rises from the southern slopes of the Dhauladhar range.  
    • It is fed by snowmelt and springs.  
    • The Banganga River deposits fertile sediments near its mouth.  
    • Gaj Khad:
      
      • The Gaj Khad originates from small streams and snowmelt on the Dhauladhar range.  
      • It joins the Beas River upstream of the Pong Dam lake.  
      • Dehr River:
        
      • Chakki River:
        
        • The Chakki River drains the southwestern part of Himachal Pradesh.  
        • It rises from the southern slopes of the Dhauladhar range.  
        • The Chakki River flows into Punjab near Pathankot and joins the Beas.  
        • It has formed terraces of sediments.  
• From the South:
  • Kunah River: .
    
  • Maseh River:
    
  • Khairan River:
    
  • ‘Man’ River: .
    

4. Tributaries in the Mandi Region

These tributaries join the Beas as it flows through the Mandi district.  

• Hansa
  
• Tirthan
  
• Bakhli
  
• Jiuni
  
• Suketi
  
• Panddi
  
• Son
  
• Bather )

5. Confluence

• The Beas River eventually merges with the Satluj River at Hari Ke Pattan in the Ferozepore district of Punjab.

6. Cultural and Historical Significance

• The Beas River flows through historically and culturally rich areas.
  
• Important settlements along its banks include Manali, Kullu, Mandi, and Sujanpur.
  
• The river is associated with various sages and events from Hindu scriptures and epics.
  

7. Hydroelectric Potential

• The Beas River is an important source of water for the region and has been harnessed for hydroelectric power.

Exam-Oriented Focus

• Prelims:
  
  • Origin of the river
    
  • Ancient names
    
  • Major tributaries
    
  • Key towns/cities on its banks
    
  • Confluence with the Satluj
    
• Mains:
  
  • Detailed course of the river and the geographical features it carves.
    
  • Role in the economy of Himachal Pradesh (agriculture, tourism, hydropower).
    
  • Cultural and historical significance of the river.
    
  • Environmental issues related to the river (if any).