The term 'steps descending to a river' can be summarized as a ghat, which is a set of steps leading down to a body of water, typically a river. Ghat is a Hindi word that is used in many South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It is often used to refer to a set of stairs or steps that lead down to a river or other body of water, allowing people to access the water for bathing, washing, or other activities.