# Narmada

> 5th longest river of India

**Wikidata**: [Q234004](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234004)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/narmada

## Summary
The Narmada is the fifth-longest river in India, flowing through the central and western peninsular regions of the country. It originates in the Maikal Hills and traverses the Satpura Range before emptying into the Arabian Sea, passing through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The river is also historically known by the aliases Nerbudda and Narbada.

## Key Facts
- **Ranking**: It is the 5th longest river in India.
- **Aliases**: Nerbudda, Narbada.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Multiple points along its course include (22.08°N, 74.9°E), (22.666666666667°N, 81.75°E), and (21.6617°N, 72.8132°E).
- **Wikipedia Title**: Narmada River.
- **Wikidata Description**: 5th longest river of India.
- **Sitelink Count**: 66.
- **Related Geographic Entities**:
  - **Country**: India (a sovereign state in South Asia).
  - **States**: Madhya Pradesh (inception: 1950-01-26), Maharashtra (inception: 1960-05-01), and Gujarat (inception: 1960-05-01).
  - **Mountain Ranges**: Satpura Range (runs through Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh) and Maikal Hills (source location).
- **Associated Waterfalls**:
  - **Ninai Falls**: A waterfall located in Gujarat, India.
  - **Dhuandhar Falls**: A tourist site in India located on the river.
- **Cultural Context**: Part of the broader context of Rigvedic rivers mentioned in Hindu texts, though the Narmada itself is a distinct entity in central India.

## FAQs
**What is the Narmada River and where is it located?**
The Narmada is the fifth-longest river in India, flowing through the central and western parts of the country. It originates in the Maikal Hills and passes through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before reaching the Arabian Sea.

**What are the alternative names for this river?**
Historically and in various contexts, the river is also referred to as Nerbudda or Narbada. These aliases are recognized in geographical and historical records alongside its primary name.

**Which major geographical features are associated with the Narmada?**
The river is closely linked to the Satpura Range, which it traverses, and the Maikal Hills, where it originates. Notable waterfalls associated with the river include the Ninai Falls in Gujarat and the Dhuandhar Falls, a popular tourist destination.

**How does the Narmada relate to the states it flows through?**
The river flows through three major Indian states: Madhya Pradesh, which was established on January 26, 1950; and both Maharashtra and Gujarat, which were both established on May 1, 1960. These states form the primary corridor for the river's path across the Indian peninsula.

## Why It Matters
The Narmada holds significant geographical and cultural importance as one of the major west-flowing rivers in peninsular India. Its status as the fifth-longest river in the nation underscores its critical role in the hydrology and ecology of central India. The river serves as a vital lifeline for the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, supporting agriculture, biodiversity, and human settlements along its banks. Furthermore, its association with major geological formations like the Satpura Range and Maikal Hills highlights its role in shaping the region's topography. Culturally, the river is deeply embedded in the Indian consciousness, featuring in ancient texts and serving as the site of significant landmarks like Dhuandhar Falls, which attract tourism and spiritual pilgrimage.

## Notable For
- **Ranking**: Being the 5th longest river in India.
- **Direction of Flow**: One of the few major rivers in India that flows westward into the Arabian Sea.
- **Geological Path**: Traversing the rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
- **Waterfalls**: Hosting the famous Dhuandhar Falls and the Ninai Falls.
- **Historical Aliases**: Known historically as Nerbudda and Narbada.
- **State Connectivity**: Uniquely connecting the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
- **Cultural Significance**: Recognized in the context of Rigvedic rivers and Hindu mythology.

## Body

### Overview and Classification
The Narmada is a major river system in India, classified specifically as the 5th longest river in the country. It is a "Thing" in knowledge graphs with a sitelink count of 66, indicating its prominence in digital encyclopedias. The river is distinct from the Rigvedic rivers found in the north, as it is situated in the central and western peninsular region. Its primary Wikipedia title is "Narmada River," and it is described in Wikidata with the specific designation of being the 5th longest river of India.

### Geographic Course and Coordinates
The river's path is defined by several key coordinate points that mark its journey across the Indian subcontinent. These include coordinates at latitude 22.08 and longitude 74.9, latitude 22.666666666667 and longitude 81.75, and latitude 21.6617 and longitude 72.8132. These points trace the river's movement from its source to its mouth. The river flows through the Satpura Range, a range of hills in Central India that runs through both Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. It also originates in the Maikal Hills, a mountain range located in India.

### State-Level Jurisdictions
The Narmada flows through three specific states, each with its own inception date and administrative history.
- **Madhya Pradesh**: A state in central India, established on January 26, 1950.
- **Maharashtra**: A state in the western and central peninsular region, established on May 1, 1960.
- **Gujarat**: A state of India, also established on May 1, 1960.
All three states are part of the country of India, which gained independence on August 15, 1947. The river's presence in these states makes it a crucial geographical feature for the region's water management and ecological balance.

### Associated Waterfalls and Landmarks
Two significant waterfalls are directly associated with the Narmada river system.
- **Ninai Falls**: This is a waterfall located in Gujarat, India. It is a subsidiary feature of the river system within the state.
- **Dhuandhar Falls**: Located in India, this is a major tourist site situated on the river. It is a prominent landmark that draws visitors to the region.
These waterfalls are part of the river's "Contains / Subsidiaries" relationship, highlighting the river's role in creating dramatic natural scenery.

### Cultural and Historical Context
The Narmada is often discussed in the context of "Rigvedic rivers," which are rivers in the North of the Indian subcontinent mentioned in the Hindu text Rig Veda. While the Narmada is geographically central, its inclusion in this broader category of significant Indian rivers underscores its historical and religious importance. The river is also linked to the city of Narmadapuram, a city in India, further cementing its cultural footprint. The river's aliases, Nerbudda and Narbada, reflect its long history of usage and recognition in various linguistic and historical contexts.

### Relationship to Broader Entities
The Narmada is part of the larger entity of India, a sovereign state in South Asia. India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion and an area of 3,287,263 square kilometers, provides the national framework within which the river exists. The river's flow through multiple states and its connection to major mountain ranges like the Satpura and Maikal Hills illustrate the complex geographical interplay within the Indian subcontinent. The river's existence is a testament to the diverse topography of India, which includes the Himalayas, the Thar Desert, and the Indian Ocean coastline.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q402888)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. GeoNames
6. BBC Things
7. BabelNet
8. Quora