As per tradition, gold was mined near the origin of the river at a village named Piska near Ranchi. This is why it was named Subarnarekha, meaning ‘streak of gold’.

Subarnarekha River is reported to have moderate depths within its entrance and is navigable by native craft for about 16 miles of its distance. The former port of Subarnarekha lies at the mouth of the river, but is available only to fishing boats. A pagoda and a clump of trees lie near the mouth of the river on the W bank.

Anchorage can be taken off the mouth of the river, in depths of 8.2 to 9.1m, with the pagoda bearing 327°, distant 8 miles.