List of Figures

Glossary and Abbreviation

Chapter 1: Introduction

Abstract

1.1 Origin and Extension of the Ganga River

1.2 Historical Perspectives of the Ganga

1.3 Cultural and Economic Importance of the Ganga

1.4 Importance of Water in Hindu Scriptures

1.5 Description of the Ganga in Hindus Religious Wisdom

1.6 Objectives and Significance of the Study

1.7 Organization of the Study

References

Chapter 2: The Ganga Basin

Abstract

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Salient Features of the Ganga and its Tributaries

2.3 State-Wise Distribution of Drainage Area

2.4 Area, Population, and Density of the Ganga Basin

2.5 Conclusions

References

Chapter 3: Geography of the Ganga Basin

Abstract

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Climate

3.3 Faunal Resources

3.4 Floral Resources

3.5 Ganga's Topography

3.5.2 The Second Stage (Mature)

3.5.3 Third Stage (Old Stage)

3.6 Conclusions

References

Chapter 4: The Ganga and its Tributaries

Abstract

4.1 Introduction

4.2 The Ganga River

4.3 The Yamuna River

4.4 Tons River

4.5 The Bhilangana River

4.6 The Alaknanda River

4.7 The Saraswati River

4.8 The Dhauli Ganga

4.9 The Nandakini River

4.10 The Pindar River

4.12 Kali Ganga

4.13 Son Ganga

4.14 Madhyamaheshwar Ganga

4.15 The Nayar River (E)

4.16 The Nayar River (W)

4.17 Ramganga (W)

4.18 The Kosi River

4.19 The Kali River

4.20 The Dhauli Ganga (E)

4.21 The Goriganga

4.22 The Ramganga (E)

4.23 The Saryu River

4.24 The Gomati River

4.25 Conclusions

References

Chapter 5: The Ganga between Gaumukh and Uttarkashi

Abstract

5.1 Introduction

5.2 A Journey from Uttarkashi to Gangotri

5.3 Case Study of Some Important Villages

5.3.1 Gaumukh

5.3.2 Gangotri

5.3.3 Bhaironghati

5.3.4 Lanka

5.3.5 Mukhimath (Mukhawa)

5.3.6 Dharali

5.3.7 Harshil

5.3.9 Sukhi

5.3.10 Gangnani

5.3.11 Bhatwadi

5.4 Conclusion

References

Chapter 6: The Major Cultural Towns

Abstract

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Major Cultural Towns Situated on the Bank of the Ganga

6.2.1 Gaumukh

6.2.2 Gangotri

6.2.3 Uttarkashi

6.2.4 Devprayag

6.2.5 Rishikesh

6.2.6 Haridwar

6.2.7 Prayagraj

6.2.8 Varanasi

6.2.9 Gangasagar

6.3 Other Major Cultural Towns Situated on the Tributaries of the Ganga

6.3.1 Kedarnath

6.3.2 Badrinath

6.3.3 The Main Prayags

6.3.4 Yamunotri

6.3.5 Hanol

6.3.6 Bageshwar

6.3.7 Jageshwar

6.4 Some Important Tirthas on the Bank of the Ganga

6.5 Conclusions

References

Chapter 7: Major Fairs and Festivals

Abstract

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Important Fairs and Festivals

7.2.1 Magh Mela

7.2.2 Kumbh Mela

7.2.3 Baishakhi

7.2.4 Akshaya Tritiya

7.2.5 Ganga Dashami/Dussehra

7.2.6 Kanwar Yatra

7.2.7 Ganga Mahotsav

7.3 Conclusions

Chapter 8: Economic Significance of the Ganga

Abstract

8.2 Ganga: The Life Line of India

8.3 The Agro-climatic Zones a