10+ Tributaries of Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra River is one of the major rivers of South Asia. It begins its journey from the Chemayungdung Glacier in the Kailash range near Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. In Tibet, it is called the Yarlung Tsangpo.

As it enters India through Arunachal Pradesh, it is known as the Siang or Dihang River. Flowing further into Assam, it takes the name Brahmaputra. It finally flows into Bangladesh, joins the Ganga (called the Padma there), and empties into the Bay of Bengal.

Right Bank Tributaries (Join from the South)

The right bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra River are those that join from the southern side:

• Lohit River (Arunachal Pradesh): A fast-flowing river from the Eastern Himalayas.

• Dibang River: Joins near the Assam-Arunachal border.

• Subansiri River: The largest right-bank tributary; important for hydropower.

• Manas River: Flows from Bhutan and supports rich biodiversity in Assam.

• Teesta River: Joins the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh; crucial for Indo-Bangladesh water sharing.

• Others: Jiabharali, Dhansiri, Torsa, and Sankosh.

These rivers are significant tributaries of the Brahmaputra River, especially in the eastern region.

Left Bank Tributaries (Join from the North)

The left bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra River join from the northern side and add large volumes of water during the monsoon:

• Burhiding River: A Tributary of the Brahmaputra from the Patkai hills.

• Desang River: Flows through Assam; supports agriculture, fisheries.

• Dikhow River: Originates in the Naga Hills, joins the Brahmaputra.

• Dhansiri River: Flows from Nagaland into Assam.

• Kopili River: Flows through Meghalaya and Assam; often flood-prone.

These are important tributaries of the Brahmaputra River in its upper and middle courses.

Major Tributaries You Should Know

Among all the tributaries of the Brahmaputra River, these are the most crucial:

• Subansiri

• Lohit

• Dibang

• Manas

They come from the Eastern Himalayas and contribute heavily to the river’s flow and power potential.

Ecological and Geographical Importance

• The tributaries of the Brahmaputra River support vital ecosystems like Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.

• They help form fertile floodplains that support farming in northeast India.

• Create well-known river islands like

  • Majuli—the largest river island in the world.

  • Umananda—one of the smallest inhabited islands.

Hydropower and Water Management

• The Brahmaputra River Basin holds over 41% of India’s hydropower potential.

• Major projects like the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project and the Teesta hydropower projects use water from major tributaries of the Brahmaputra River.

These help meet energy needs and support regional development.

SSC Exam Quick Tips

• Understand the left and right bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra River.

• Focus on major ones: Subansiri, Lohit, Manas, and Teesta.

• Prepare for map-based questions and ecological zones linked to this river system.

• Remember island names and national parks related to the river.

Final Thoughts

The tributaries of the Brahmaputra River form a lifeline for northeast India and neighbouring regions. 

From the Teesta River and Brahmaputra relations to the role of the Manas River in the Brahmaputra basin, these waterways influence geography, environment, and development alike.

Keep this guidebook bookmarked as a quick revision tool and share it with fellow SSC aspirants preparing for the General Studies and Geography sections.