A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river, adding to its overall flow of water. Tributaries are an important part of a river's network, contributing water, sediment, and nutrients to the main river. They typically originate from springs, smaller streams, or other water sources and join the main river at a confluence.
Some major rivers of India are tributaries of other rivers. For example, Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganges and Chambal and Betwa are tributaries of Yamuna.
| River | Tributaries |
|---|---|
| Ganga | 1. Gomti 2. Ghaghra 3. Gandak 4. Kosi 5. Yamuna 6. Son 7. Ramganga |
| Yamuna | 1. Chambal 2. Sindh 3. Betwa 4. Ken 5. Tons 6. Hindon 7. Giri |
| Godavari | 1. Indravati 2. Manjira 3. Bindusara 4. Sarbari 5. Penganga 6.Pranahita 7. Pravara 8. Purna 9. Wardha 10. Maner |
| Krishna | 1. Tungabhadra 2. Ghataprabha 3. Malaprabha 4. Bhima 5. Vedavati 6. Koyna |
| Cauvery | 1. Kabini 2. Hemavathi 3. Simsha 4. Arkavati 5. Bhavani |
| Narmada | 1. Amaravati 2. Bhukhi 3. Tawa 4. Banger |
| Indus | 1. Sutlej 2. Dras 3. Zanskar 4. Shyok 5.Gilgit 6. Suru |
| Brahmaputra | 1. Dibang 2. Lohit 3. Jia Bhoreli (Kameng) 4. Dikhow 5. Subansiri 6. Manas |
| Damodar | 1. Barakar 2. Konar |
| Ravi | 1. Budhil 2. Nai or Dhona 3. Seul 4. Ujh |
| Mahanadi | 1. Seonath 2. Hasdeo 3. Jonk 4. Mand 5. Ib 6. Ong 7. Tel |
| Chambal | 1. Banas 2. Kali Sindh 3. Shipra 4. Parbati 5. Mej 6. Parwan |