Sarasvati

Sarasvati, also spelled Saraswati, is mythological river. It is said that this river existed in ancient India.

A study has been carried out jointly by the Scientists of Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation, Jodhpur and Ground Water Department, Government of Rajasthan, Jodhpur to find out the disappeared mythological river Saraswati.

The results of the study have been presented in the article titled “New Findings of the Course of River Sarasvati,”, published in the Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing. The authors have concluded as under.

“Clear signatures of palaeo channels on the satellite imagery in the form of a strong and powerful continuous drainage system in the NW region and occurrence of archaeological sites of Pre-Harappan, Harappan and Post Harappan age, beyond doubt indicate the existence of a mighty palaeo drainage system of Vedic Sarasvati river in this region. As observed from satellite imagery river Sarasvati flowed eastward more or less parallel to the river Indus and shifted its course within a much narrower zone of less than 40 km.

The major (western most) channel of river Sarasvati remained more or less constant and unchanged and is considered to be the actual Rig Vedic Sarasvati river. The description and magnanimity of these channels also matches with the River Sarasvati described in the Vedic literature. From the prominence and width of the palaeo channels on the satellite data, supported with data from archaeological finds, age and quality of ground water, sediment type, etc., it is confirmed that river Sarasvati had its major course through present day river Ghaggar and further passing through parts of Jaisalmer and adjoining region in Pakistan and finally discharging into the Rann of Kachchh. A major palaeo channel of the river passes through Jaisalmer district while a considerable part of the river drained further, inside Pakistan.”

Nearby pages
Rivers of India, Riviera, Rivoli, Rixdollar, RKS, RMP