Question

Trace the journey/course (upper, middle and lower) of the river Alaknanda. Also mention the landforms formed.

Answer 1

The Alaknanda is a Himalayan river in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and one of the two headstreams of the Ganges, the major river of Northern India and the holy river of Hinduism. In hydrology, the Alaknanda is considered the source stream of the Ganges on account of its greater length and discharge;

however, in Hindu mythology and culture, the other headstream, the Bhagirathi, is considered the source stream.

Answer 2

Alaknanda River is one of the most important rivers which form Ganga. It is one of the two headstreams of Ganga, other being the Bhagirathi. Alaknanda has greater length and discharge, and hence should be considered as the source stream of the Ganga. But from a mythological perspective, Bhagirathi is regarded as the source of River Ganga.