Why is Gangā mentioned? (Hint: There could be several reasons.)
The Ganga is mentioned in the poem for multiple reasons.
(1) It is the largest river originating in the Himalayas and holds immense geographical significance.
(2) It has deep cultural and religious importance in India, considered sacred by millions.
(3) It represents the life-giving aspect of mountains, as melting snow from the Himalayas feeds the river.
(4) The river's spray carried by the wind demonstrates the connection between mountains and the water cycle.
(5) The Ganga has been central to Indian civilization for thousands of years, making it a powerful symbol in literature and culture.
Explanation
The chapter mentions on Page 7 that 'Ganga' is the Indian name of the largest river originating in the Himalayas, nearly 2,500 km long with numerous tributaries. On Page 15, it notes that rivers have carried immense cultural value and many communities consider river sources and confluences sacred. The poem by Kālidāsa captures both the geographical and cultural significance of the Ganga.
Solution Steps
The Ganga is the largest river originating in the Himalayas with immense geographical significance
It has deep cultural and religious importance in India, considered sacred by millions
It represents the life-giving aspect of mountains as melting snow feeds the river
The river's spray demonstrates the connection between mountains and the water cycle
The Ganga has been central to Indian civilization for thousands of years as a powerful symbol