Rivers of India is a pictorial journey that delves into the symbiosis between India’s major rivers and the people who live along them and their intimate link with myth, belief and religion. Along with the narrative of the rivers are interesting asides looking at marvels of engineering, cultural and recreational events, as well as the deep-rooted symbolic relevance of the river in Indian music, art, religion and literature.

The authors narrowed their focus to eight rivers that flow through India-the Brahmaputra, Ganges, Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada and Yamuna. This selection was based on demographics, the decisive factor being the correlation between the most densely populated river valleys, and the challenges triggered by unchecked exploitation of natural resources.

While a river journey may seem romantic in an idyllic sense, for the authors, it was often a challenging experience. The environmental damage that has been caused by piety, industry and apathy is immense; sadly, these allegedly sacred water bodies are plagued by misuse and pollution. The authors hope that highlighting significant issues that affect the river will usher in a sense of collective responsibility that can help stem further ecological degradation.