Chambal: River of Rebels, Curses, and Clean Waters - Gharials Reveal True Story

• Chambal River, originating in Madhya Pradesh and flowing through Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, is considered 'cursed' by many despite its clean waters.
• Mythological beliefs link its ancient name 'Charmanyavati' to King Rantideva's animal sacrifices, forming a stream of blood.
• Another popular belief attributes a curse to Draupadi after her humiliation, though classical texts don't explicitly link it to Chambal.
• Historically known as the 'River of Rebels' due to dacoits inhabiting its rugged ravines, it's now a tourism and conservation hub.
• The presence of numerous gharials, a sensitive species thriving only in clean, deep water, indicates Chambal's environmental health, challenging the 'cursed' narrative.