Identifying the Ravi River: Himalayas Origin and Length

The question asks us to identify a specific perennial river based on its characteristics: it is 720 km long, originates in the Himalayas, and flows through Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.

Let's examine the given options and compare their known characteristics to the description provided in the question.

Analyzing the River Options

• Saryu river: There are several rivers named Saryu. A prominent one in Uttarakhand is associated with the Himalayan region, but its length is typically cited as much shorter than 720 km, often around 350 km or less depending on the specific river stretch referenced. It is not primarily known for flowing through Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.
• Yamuna river: The Yamuna river originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas (Uttarakhand) and is perennial. However, its total length is approximately 1,376 km, which is significantly longer than the 720 km mentioned in the question. While it flows through parts of Himachal Pradesh, the length criteria does not match.
• Ravi river: The Ravi river is a transboundary river flowing through India and Pakistan. It originates near the Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. It flows through the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The total length of the Ravi river is approximately 720 km. It is a perennial river, fed by snowmelt and rainfall. This description perfectly matches all the criteria given in the question.
• Krishna river: The Krishna river originates from Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, not the Himalayas. It flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Its length is about 1,400 km. It does not fit the criteria of originating in the Himalayas or flowing through Himachal Pradesh.

Based on the analysis, the Ravi river is the only one among the options that fits all the characteristics described in the question: it is perennial, approximately 720 km long, originates in the Himalayas, and flows through Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.

Therefore, the perennial river that is 720 km long, originates in the Himalayas, and flows through Chamba of Himachal Pradesh is the Ravi river.

Revision Table: Key River Facts

Additional Information on Himalayan Rivers

Himalayan rivers are mostly perennial, meaning they flow throughout the year. This is because they are fed by melting snow and glaciers in the Himalayas, as well as by monsoon rains. These rivers often form large river basins and are crucial sources of water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and domestic use in India and neighboring countries.

Examples of major perennial Himalayan rivers include the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries like the Yamuna, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi. They are characterized by their long courses, often flowing through steep gorges in the mountains and wide plains downstream.