Which District is Known as the Land of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh?

Last Updated: Sep 10, 2026, 17:04 IST

Discover why Azamgarh is known as the Land of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh. Learn about its 17 rivers, 3 sangams, rich history, and key geographical features.

Which District is Known as the Land of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh?
Which District is Known as the Land of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh?

Uttar Pradesh is known for the upper Upper Ganga flowing river system where it meets with Yamuna at Prayagraj making sangam. As per the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies, there are more than 32 large and small rivers flowing in Uttar Pradesh.

But have you ever thought, which district is known as the land of rivers in Uttar Pradesh? The answer will surprise you. It is Azamgarh district, which is located in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh.

Let’s explore this article in detail and learn about this district, why it is called land of river in Uttar Pradesh, which rivers meet at Azamgargh, its geographical feature and also learn about its Demographic & Socio-Economic Indicators as per Census Data 2011.

District Fact: Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh)

Category

Official Specification

State

Uttar Pradesh

Division Headquarters

Azamgarh (Comprises Azamgarh, Mau, and Ballia)

District Headquarters

Azamgarh (Situated on the banks of Tamsa River)

Tehsils (08)

Azamgarh, Burhanpur, Lalganj, Mehnagar, Nizamabad, Phulpur, Sagri, Martinganj

Development Blocks

22 Blocks

Lok Sabha Constituencies

Azamgarh, Lalganj

Why is Azamgarh Called the Land of Rivers?

Now, you all know, Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh is called the Land of River, buit why is it called that? 

Azamgarh has more rivers flowing through it than any other district in Uttar Pradesh. 

There are a total of 17 rivers that pass through this district. That is why it earned the nickname "the land of rivers" or "city of rivers." 

The district also has three sangams, which means three places where rivers meet each other. These meeting points hold a lot of importance for the local people, and many of them are connected to old stories and history.

Which 17 Rivers Flowing Through Azamgarh

Here is the list of rivers that flow through Azamgarh district:

  1. Ghaghra (Saryu)

  2. Tamsa (Tons)

  3. Chhoti Saryu

  4. Besan / Beso

  5. Gangi

  6. Manjhuai / Manjhuši

  7. Udanti

  8. Kunwar

  9. Silani

  10. Mangai

  11. Bhensahi

  12. Ora

  13. Bagadi

  14. Suksui

  15. Loni

  16. Dona

  17. Kayad

Geographical Feature of Azamgarh

Feature

Details

Geographical Area

4,054 sq. km

Coordinates

26.068° N, 83.184° E

Bordering Districts

Mau (East), Gorakhpur (North), Ghazipur (South-East), Jaunpur (South-West), Ambedkar Nagar (North-West)

Major Rivers

Ghaghra (Tons/Tamsa)

How Azamgarh Got Its Name?

The town of Azamgarh was founded in the year 1665 by a person named Azam. He was the son of a man called Vikramajit, who belonged to the Gautam Rajput family of Mehnagar.

Azam built a fort here, and slowly the whole area started being called Azamgarh after him. His brother Azmat built another fort nearby, which is why there is a nearby place called Azmatgarh too.

Important of Rivers in Azamgarh

Rivers are not just water flowing from one place to another. For a district like Azamgarh, these 17 rivers play a big role in farming, drinking water, and daily life of the people.

Farmers use the river water to grow crops, and many villages and small towns have grown up along the banks of these rivers over hundreds of years.

Many of these rivers also carry old stories, temples, and traditions with them, which makes them even more special for the people living there.

However, it is sad to know that because of less care and protection, many of these small rivers and natural water sources are slowly losing their existence.

This is something that people and the government need to pay attention to, so that this beautiful land of rivers keeps its identity for many more years to come.

Conclusion

So now you know that Azamgarh is the district in Uttar Pradesh with the highest number of rivers flowing through it, a total of 17 rivers. From the mighty Ghaghra to the smaller Seelni and Bes, all these rivers together give Azamgarh its special name, the land of rivers.

Along with its rivers, the district also carries a rich history connected to sages, kings, and old stories, which makes it an even more interesting place to learn about.

Prabhat Mishra
Prabhat Mishra

Executive - Editorial

    Prabhat Mishra is a Subject Matter Expert and digital journalist with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape and over 4 years of experience in education, national and international news, and current affairs. Over his tenure with top knowledge platforms like Mentorship India, IAS BABA, IAS SARTHI, and now Jagran Josh, he has a deep understanding of government exams like UPSC and State PCS, including UP and Bihar, as he has already qualified for the UPPCS 2022 Mains and Bihar 68th Mains. With his core expertise in history, polity, geography & current affairs, he specialises in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations.

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    First Published: Sep 10, 2026, 17:04 IST

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