The rivers of India play an important role in tLi HEves of the Indian people.The river systems provide irrigation,potable water,cheap transportation,electricity,and tLi HEvelihoods for a large number of people all over the country.This easily explains why nearly all the major cities of India are located by the banks of rivers.The rivers also have an important role in Hindu mythology and are considered holy by all Hindus in the country.Seven major rivers along with their numerous tributaries make up the river system of India.Most of the rivers pour their waters into the Bay of Bengal;however,some of the rivers whose courses take them through the western part of the country and towards the east of the state of Himachal Pradesh empty into the Arabian Sea.Parts of Ladakh,northern parts of the Aravalli range and the arid parts of the Thar Desert have inland drainage.