Indus River: A Comedy of Errors

The Indus River, often referred to as the lifeline of Pakistan, is one of the longest rivers in Asia. But did you know that it has a funny origin story?

Legend has it that the Indus River was actually the result of a spat between two gods, Shiva and Vishnu. Shiva was so angry with Vishnu that he cut off one of Vishnu’s heads and hurled it to Earth. As it landed, it became the source of the river we now call the Indus.

But the fun and games don’t end there. The Indus River has had quite a few blunders over the years. For one thing, it was originally named the Sindh River - but thanks to some careless British cartographers, it was given the name ‘Indus’ instead. What were they thinking?

But that’s not all. In an effort to harness the power of the river, the Pakistani government began building a dam in 1970. The dam was eventually completed in 2002, but not before causing some major headaches. The construction displaced over 100,000 people, and the resulting reservoir flooded several archaeological sites of ancient civilizations, including Mohenjo-daro. Oops!

But let’s not forget the bright side - the Indus River has also given rise to a vibrant culture along its banks. From the Indus Valley Civilization to Punjabi music and cuisine, the river has played a significant role in the lives and livelihoods of countless people throughout history.

In conclusion, the Indus River may have had its fair share of missteps, but it’s still a vital part of Pakistani identity and a source of inspiration for many. And let’s be honest - it’s also a pretty funny river when you think about it. So let’s raise a glass to the Indus River, and to all the rivers out there that keep us laughing, learning, and living life to the fullest. Cheers!