India is often referred to as the “Mother of Rivers,” symbolising its rich culture, way of life, agriculture, and economy. Rivers are vital to every region, village, and town across the country. Renowned rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Kaveri provide nourishment and sustenance akin to mothers. It is a tradition to name these rivers after women and worship them as goddesses. The life force, satisfaction, and nourishment found in rivers are often compared to women and revered as ‘mother’. However, among the hundreds of rivers in India, only one is designated in the masculine gender: the Brahmaputra.
The name Brahmaputra means “son of Brahma” in Sanskrit. According to mythology, Shantana, the wife of Brahma, was captivated by her immense beauty and bore a son. This son, instead of remaining in physical form, transformed into water and began flowing on earth. As he was the son of Brahma, the river was named Brahmaputra. This name reflects not only the mythological and religious significance of the river but also its revered status according to the Puranas, folklore, and ancient Vedas. The Brahmaputra is considered a masculine river due to these mythological beliefs, the sanctity of the river, and its geographical grandeur.
The Brahmaputra River originates from the holy Mansarovar in Tibet, where locals call it Tsangpo. Spanning approximately 2,900 km, it crosses Tibet and enters Arunachal Pradesh, where it is known as Dih. It later becomes famously known as the Brahmaputra upon entering Assam. In Assam, the river forms Majuli, one of the largest river islands in the world. Flowing through Assam, the Brahmaputra is a vital lifeline for the state, providing essential support geographically and economically.
The significance of the Brahmaputra extends beyond its geographical size; it holds cultural, religious, and economic importance as well. As the third largest river in India and the 9th widest in the world, it is crucial for regional biodiversity, agriculture, and fisheries. The river’s flow, floods, soil distribution, and water resources provide livelihoods for local communities. As it traverses Assam and other north-eastern regions, it reshapes the landscape and aids in the development of villages, fisheries, and resource regeneration in central areas.
Folklore recounts that during the Mahabharata, the Pandavas spent time in this area while living in the forest. One day, mother Kunti was thirsty, and her sons Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva attempted to fetch water. The Brahmaputra is considered special since Arjuna created water in a unique manner. According to the Puranas, the Brahmaputra possesses ancestral power. Its flow, strength, breadth, and the biodiversity of its islands and banks demonstrate its role not only as a water source but also as a symbol of purity, power, dharma, and prosperity.
The Brahmaputra flows through India, Tibet, and Bangladesh, bearing different names in each region: Tsangpo in Tibet, Dih in Arunachal Pradesh, Brahmaputra in Assam, and Jamuna in Bangladesh. Despite these varied names, the Brahmaputra is distinguished as the only male river in India.
The Brahmaputra River boasts several unique features. It is a simple yet remarkable river, reflecting the splendour of nature. It plays a critical role in fisheries, agriculture, and irrigation. The biodiversity along its banks, including forests, birds, animals, and fish, is unique. Culturally, the river is the lifeblood of villages, temples, religious festivals, and celebrations. By creating river islands like Majuli, the Brahmaputra influences the regional way of life. The Brahmaputra stands out among Indian rivers for its geographical and economic size, as well as its cultural and religious significance.
In India, rivers are traditionally seen not only as sources of water but also as symbols of sanctity, life, and culture. While female rivers are worshipped as mothers, the Brahmaputra represents masculinity, power, and self-confidence. Known by various names, the Brahmaputra has secured a special place in culture, mythology, and geographical splendour, embodying the pride of being a masculine river in India.
