Drainage System

1.Drainage, Drainage Patterns and Drainage Basins

• Drainage and Drainage SystemImportance 3/5
  What do "drainage" and "drainage system" mean? Remember the factors that decide the drainage pattern of an area. Be clear about the difference between a perennial river and an ephemeral river.
• Drainage Patterns (Dendritic, Radial, Trellis, Centripetal)Importance 5/5
  Know how the rivers are arranged in each of the four patterns, and remember an Indian example of each. You should be able to tell a dendritic pattern from a trellis one, and a radial pattern from a centripetal one.
• Catchment Area, Drainage Basin and WatershedImportance 4/5
  What are a catchment area, a drainage basin and a watershed? Be clear that "watershed" is used in two senses, and know both. How does a large river basin differ from a watershed in its smaller sense? Understand why a basin is said to have "unity", and why basins suit micro, meso and macro planning.
• Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal DrainageImportance 4/5UPSC 2007, 2009
  On what basis are India's rivers grouped into these two drainage groups? Remember what separates the groups, the share of drainage area each has, and the main rivers of each. Why are the Narmada and Tapi exceptions among large Peninsular rivers?
• Classification of River Basins by SizeImportance 3/5
  Remember the three size classes of drainage basins and the catchment area limit of each. Note that the number of major and medium basins in India differs between classifications. Know examples of each class and the kind of area where minor basins lie.
• Himalayan and Peninsular Drainage as a Basis of ClassificationImportance 3/5
  On what basis is Indian drainage divided into Himalayan and Peninsular? Why is this still the most accepted scheme? Understand the problem it creates for rivers such as the Chambal, Betwa and Son.

2.Drainage Systems of India

• Factors Shaping India's Drainage SystemImportance 2/5
  How did the three major physiographic units and the nature of rainfall together shape India's rivers? Understand both causes.

3.The Himalayan Drainage

• Characteristics of Himalayan RiversImportance 5/5UPSC 2012, 2019
  Which main river basins does the Himalayan drainage include, and why are its rivers perennial? Understand what features the rivers form in the mountains and what they form on entering the plains. How does their course differ in the two stretches?
• Kosi's Shifting Course and Its NicknameImportance 4/5
  By what nickname is the Kosi known? Explain how its heavy sediment load, a blocked channel and a change of course are linked. Also think about the positive and negative effects of flooding.

4.Evolution of the Himalayan Drainage

• The Indo-Brahma (Shiwalik) River HypothesisImportance 4/5
  What was the Indo-Brahma river? Remember how far it extended, where it ended and in which geological period it flowed. Understand the evidence from the Shiwalik hills that supports the idea. Is this a settled fact or a view of geologists?
• Dismemberment of the Indo-Brahma RiverImportance 4/5
  Into which three drainage systems did the Indo-Brahma river break up? Understand two causes: the Pleistocene upheaval in the western Himalayas (including the rise of the Potwar Plateau), and the down-thrusting of the Malda gap. What did each do to the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra systems? Note that the Potwar Plateau is not the Delhi Ridge.

5.The River Systems of the Himalayan Drainage

• Indus: Basin, Source and CourseImportance 5/5UPSC 2026
  Remember the Indus basin's area and the river's length, in total and within India. Where does it rise, and what is it called in Tibet? Know its course between the Ladakh and Zaskar ranges, the gorge it cuts across the Ladakh range, where it enters Pakistan and where it reaches the sea.
• Himalayan and Right-Bank Tributaries of the IndusImportance 3/5UPSC 2006
  Which Himalayan tributaries does the Indus receive in its upper course? Where, and on which bank, does the Kabul river join it? Remember the right-bank rivers that rise in the Sulaiman ranges.
• The PanjnadImportance 4/5
  Which five rivers make up the Panjnad? Near which town does it join the Indus? Is the Indus itself one of the five? How does the Indus Waters Treaty divide the rivers of the Indus system between India and Pakistan, and what is the treaty's present status?
• JhelumImportance 5/5UPSC 2010, 2021, 2023
  Know where the Jhelum rises and the important places on its course in the Kashmir valley. How does it enter Pakistan, and which river does it join there?
• ChenabImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  Where does the Chenab stand in size among the Indus tributaries? Remember the two streams that form it and where they meet. How does this explain its other name?
• RaviImportance 4/5UPSC 2009, 2010, 2021
  Remember where the Ravi rises, the valley it flows through and the ranges between which it drains. Which river does it join in Pakistan?
• BeasImportance 4/5UPSC 2009, 2010, 2014
  Know where the Beas rises and the valley it flows through. Remember the gorges it forms in the Dhauladhar range and the place where it meets the Satluj.
• SatlujImportance 5/5UPSC 7 Years
  Where does the Satluj rise, and what is it called in Tibet? Remember how it flows in Tibet before entering India, the pass through which it enters India, and the gorge where it leaves the hills for the plains. What does "antecedent river" mean, and how does it apply to the Satluj? Which major project does it feed?
• Ganga: Headstreams and the PrayagsImportance 5/5UPSC 2008
  Remember where the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda rise. At which place do they meet to form the Ganga? Know the five prayags (Panch Prayag) on the Alaknanda, in order downstream, and the river that joins at each.
• Ganga: Course, Length, Basin and DistributariesImportance 5/5UPSC 1997
  Where does the Ganga enter the plains, and in what directions does it flow? Remember the two distributaries it splits into, its length, the five states it flows through, and its basin area in India. Where does it meet the sea? Where does its system rank among India's river systems?
• Left-Bank and Right-Bank Tributaries of the GangaImportance 4/5UPSC 2024
  Remember which tributaries join the Ganga on the left bank and which on the right. Why does the Ganga system have both perennial and non-perennial rivers? Distinguish the tributaries that rise in the Himalayas from those that rise in the Peninsula.
• Namami Gange ProgrammeImportance 4/5
  What is the Namami Gange Programme, and when was it approved as a flagship programme? Remember its twin objectives and the eight pillars on which it works.
• YamunaImportance 4/5UPSC 2010, 2019
  Where does the Yamuna rank among the Ganga's tributaries? Remember where it rises and where it joins the Ganga. Distinguish its right-bank tributaries from its left-bank ones, and know the main rivers on each bank. Note that the Varuna is a tributary of the Ganga, not of the Yamuna. Which canals take much of its water?
• ChambalImportance 5/5UPSC 1999, 2005, 2008
  Where does the Chambal rise? Remember the dam on it, the places it passes in Rajasthan and the river it joins. Understand why it is famous for its badland topography.
• GandakImportance 4/5UPSC 2023, 2024
  Which two streams form the Gandak? Remember the area where it rises, where it enters the Ganga plain in Bihar and where it joins the Ganga.
• GhagharaImportance 3/5UPSC 2024
  Remember where the Ghaghara rises and the tributaries it collects in the mountains. Where does it cut a deep gorge? Know where the Sarda joins it and where it meets the Ganga.
• Kosi: Source and HeadstreamsImportance 3/5UPSC 2024
  Understand how the Kosi's course across the Central Himalayas fits the idea of an antecedent river. Remember where its main stream rises. Which streams join it from the west and the east to form the Sapt Kosi?
• RamgangaImportance 3/5UPSC 1996
  Learn where the Ramganga rises, where it enters the plains of Uttar Pradesh, and near which town it joins the Ganga.
• DamodarImportance 5/5UPSC 1998, 2004, 2022
  Through which kind of landform does the Damodar flow, and which river does it join? Remember its main tributary and the old nickname given to it. How was the river brought under control through the Damodar Valley Corporation?
• SardaImportance 3/5
  Where does the Sarda rise, and by what other names is it known along its course? Which international border does a stretch of it follow? Note that the Goriganga and the Saryu are its tributaries, not other names for it. Remember the river it finally joins.
• MahanandaImportance 2/5
  Be clear about where the Mahananda rises. Which place does it hold among the Ganga's left-bank tributaries, and in which country does it join the Ganga?
• SonImportance 4/5UPSC 2007, 2008, 2009
  Remember where the Son rises and what it forms at the edge of the plateau. Near which town does it join the Ganga? On which bank does it join?
• Brahmaputra: Source and Course in TibetImportance 5/5UPSC 2011
  Where does the Brahmaputra rise, and what is it called in Tibet? What does that name mean? Remember how far it flows eastward in Tibet, its major right-bank tributary there, and the deep gorge it carves near Namcha Barwa. Why is China's dam-building on the Tsangpo a concern for India?
• Brahmaputra: Course in India and BangladeshImportance 5/5
  Remember the names the river takes in Arunachal Pradesh and where it enters India. After meeting which two streams is it called the Brahmaputra, and near which town do they meet? Note that this meeting point lies in Assam, not Arunachal Pradesh. Know its length in the Assam valley and where it enters Bangladesh. What is it called in Bangladesh, and which river does it finally merge with?
• Tributaries of the BrahmaputraImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  Distinguish the main left-bank tributaries in Assam from the right-bank ones. Which right-bank tributary is a well-known antecedent river, and where does it rise?
• Floods, Channel Shifting and Bank Erosion in the BrahmaputraImportance 3/5
  Why is the Brahmaputra known for floods, channel shifting and bank erosion? Understand the part played by its tributaries, the rainfall in its catchment and its sediment load.

6.The Peninsular Drainage System

• Age and Characteristics of Peninsular RiversImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  What shows that the Peninsular drainage is older than the Himalayan? Remember the role of the Western Ghats as a water divide, the usual direction of flow, and the main river systems. Know the characteristics of these rivers and the exceptions. You should be able to contrast them with Himalayan rivers.
• Evolution of the Peninsular Drainage SystemImportance 4/5
  Understand the three geological events that shaped Peninsular drainage and what each did to the rivers. Why do the Narmada and Tapi lack alluvial and deltaic deposits? What gave the rivers their direction towards the Bay of Bengal?
• MahanadiImportance 5/5UPSC 2002, 2003, 2006
  Where does the Mahanadi rise, and which states does it flow through? Remember its length, catchment area and the present-day share of its basin in each state. Which part of its course allows some navigation?
• GodavariImportance 5/5UPSC 7 Years
  Where does the Godavari rank among Peninsular river systems, and by what other name is it known? Remember its source, length, catchment area, principal tributaries and the state shares of its basin after the formation of Telangana. Know where it floods, where it forms a gorge, and where it forms its delta. In which stretch is it navigable?
• KrishnaImportance 5/5UPSC 8 Years
  Where does the Krishna rank among east-flowing Peninsular rivers? Remember where it rises, its length, its major tributaries and the share of its catchment in each state.
• KaveriImportance 5/5UPSC 5 Years
  Know where the Kaveri rises, its length and the area it drains. Remember its important tributaries and the state-wise shares of its basin. Why does it carry water through the year, with less fluctuation than other Peninsular rivers?
• NarmadaImportance 5/5UPSC 9 Years
  Between which ranges does the Narmada flow in a rift valley, and where does it rise? Remember the marble rocks gorge and the waterfall near Jabalpur, its length, and where it meets the sea. How does an estuary differ from a delta? Which project is built on it?
• TapiImportance 4/5UPSC 2006, 2007, 2010
  Remember where the Tapi rises, its length and the area it drains. Which three states share its basin, and in what proportions?
• LuniImportance 3/5UPSC 2010
  What is the Luni's place among the rivers of Rajasthan? Remember where it rises, how its direction changes, and where it ends. What kind of flow does it have through the year?

7.Extent of Usability of River Water

• Uneven Distribution of River Water in Time and SpaceImportance 3/5
  Understand how river water in India is unevenly spread: perennial and non-perennial flow, water wasted in floods, and drought in one region while another is flooded. Is this a problem of availability or of management?
• Inter-Basin Transfer and Interlinking of RiversImportance 4/5UPSC 2016
  How could moving surplus water to water-deficit basins help? Remember the examples of linkage: the Periyar Diversion Scheme, Indira Gandhi Canal, Kurnool-Cuddapah Canal, Beas-Satluj Link and the proposed Ganga-Kaveri link. Know the National Perspective Plan for river linking and the Ken-Betwa link project. Understand the difficulties of transfer and its socio-economic advantages.
• Problems in Using River WaterImportance 3/5
  Remember the six problems in using river water, from the quantity available to the shrinking of channels. What are the main sources of river pollution? Know the Ganga Action Plan and the Yamuna cleaning campaign as efforts to reduce it.

1. 1.

   Match List I with List II:

   List I (Drainage pattern)	List II (Description)
   A. Dendritic	1. Rivers discharge from all directions into a lake or depression
   B. Radial	2. Resembles the branches of a tree
   C. Trellis	3. Rivers originate from a hill and flow in all directions
   D. Centripetal	4. Primary tributaries flow parallel and secondary tributaries join them at right angles

   Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   1. AA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
   2. BA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
   3. CA-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
   4. DA-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
2. 2.

   Consider the following statements about India's drainage:
   1. Nearly 77 per cent of the drainage area is oriented towards the Bay of Bengal.
   2. The Arabian Sea drainage and the Bay of Bengal drainage are separated by the Delhi ridge, the Aravalis and the Sahyadris.
   3. The Mahi and the Periyar systems discharge their waters into the Bay of Bengal.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 2 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
3. 3.

   Consider the following statements about the classification of India's drainage basins by size:
   1. Major river basins have a catchment area of more than 20,000 sq. km.
   2. There are 44 major river basins.
   3. Medium river basins have a catchment area between 2,000 and 20,000 sq. km.
   4. Watersheds generally cover larger areas than river basins.
   How many of the above statements are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. COnly three
   4. DAll four
4. 4.

   Consider the following statements:
   Statement-I: The Kosi river is notorious for frequently changing its course.
   Statement-II: The Kosi brings huge quantities of sediment from its upper reaches and deposits it in the plains, blocking its own course.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
   4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
5. 5.

   With reference to the evolution of the Himalayan drainage, consider the following statements:
   1. A mighty river called the Shiwalik or Indo-Brahma is believed to have flowed from Assam to Punjab and on to Sind during the Miocene period.
   2. Its dismemberment was probably due to the Pleistocene upheaval in the western Himalayas.
   3. The downthrusting of the Malda gap area diverted the Ganga and the Brahmaputra towards the Arabian Sea.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B1 and 2 only
   3. C2 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
6. 6.

   Consider the following statements about the Indus:
   1. It originates from a glacier near Bokhar Chu in the Kailash Mountain range in Tibet.
   2. In Tibet it is known as 'Singi Khamban', or Lion's mouth.
   3. It receives the Kabul river on its right bank near Attock.
   4. It enters Pakistan near Gilgit.
   How many of the above statements are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. COnly three
   4. DAll four
7. 7.

   Consider the following pairs:

   River	Source
   1. Jhelum	Spring at Verinag at the foot of the Pir Panjal
   2. Chenab	Raksas tal near Mansarovar
   3. Beas	Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass

   How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
8. 8.

   Consider the following statements:
   1. The Satluj is an antecedent river.
   2. The Satluj feeds the canal system of the Bhakra Nangal project.
   3. The Chenab is the largest tributary of the Indus.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B1 and 2 only
   3. C2 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
9. 9.

   Match List I with List II:

   List I (Place)	List II (Confluence)
   A. Devprayag	1. Mandakini (Kali Ganga) meets the Alaknanda
   B. Vishnu Prayag	2. Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda
   C. Karna Prayag	3. Dhauli and Vishnu Ganga meet
   D. Rudra Prayag	4. Pindar joins the Alaknanda

   Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   1. AA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
   2. BA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
   3. CA-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
   4. DA-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
10. 10.

    Consider the following statements about the Ganga system:
    1. The Son is the major right bank tributary of the Ganga.
    2. The Yamuna is the westernmost and the longest tributary of the Ganga.
    3. The Gomati and the Ghaghara are left bank tributaries of the Ganga.
    4. The Chambal joins the Ganga directly at Prayag.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll four
11. 11.

    Which river, once known as the 'sorrow of Bengal', flows through a rift valley on the eastern margins of the Chotanagpur Plateau and has the Barakar as its main tributary?

    1. ASubarnarekha
    2. BMahananda
    3. CSon
    4. DDamodar
12. 12.

    Consider the following statements about the Brahmaputra:
    1. It originates in the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake.
    2. In Tibet it is called the Tsangpo, which means 'the destroyer'.
    3. It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh under the name Siang or Dihang.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
13. 13.

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The Narmada and the Tapi lack alluvial and deltaic deposits.
    Statement-II: The Narmada and the Tapi flow in trough faults and fill the original cracks with their detritus materials.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
14. 14.

    Match List I with List II:

    List I (River)	List II (Place of origin)
    A. Mahanadi	1. Brahmagiri hills
    B. Godavari	2. Near Mahabaleshwar
    C. Krishna	3. Near Sihawa
    D. Kaveri	4. Nasik district

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. AA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
    2. BA-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
    3. CA-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
    4. DA-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
15. 15.

    Consider the following statements about the Kaveri:
    1. It carries water throughout the year with comparatively less fluctuation than other Peninsular rivers.
    2. The largest share of its basin lies in Karnataka.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2

1. 1.

   UPSC 2026

   Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information :
   1. It has an antecedent drainage system.
   2. It flows through three countries.
   3. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.
   4. It does not form distributaries.
   Select the answer from the following :

   1. ABrahmaputra
   2. BIndus
   3. CSutlej
   4. DTeesta
2. 2.

   UPSC 2024

   With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct ?

   1. AGhaghara – Gomati – Gandak – Kosi
   2. BGomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi
   3. CGhaghara – Gomati – Kosi – Gandak
   4. DGomati – Ghaghara – Kosi – Gandak
3. 3.

   UPSC 2024

   Consider the following information : Waterfall | Region | River
   1. | Dhuandhar | Malwa | Narmada
   2. | Hundru | Chota Nagpur | Subarnarekha
   3. | Gersoppa | Western Ghats | Netravati In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
4. 4.

   UPSC 2023

   Consider the following statements :
   1. Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake.
   2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake.
   3. Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake.
   How many of the statements given above are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
5. 5.

   UPSC 2022

   Consider the following pairs : Reservoirs
   1. Ghataprabha — Telangana
   2. Gandhi Sagar — Madhya Pradesh
   3. Indira Sagar — Andhra Pradesh
   4. Maithon — Chhattisgarh
   How many pairs given above are not correctly matched ?

   1. AOnly one pair
   2. BOnly two pairs
   3. COnly three pairs
   4. DAll four pairs
6. 6.

   UPSC 2021

   With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct?

   1. AChenab
   2. BJhelum
   3. CRavi
   4. DSutlej
7. 7.

   UPSC 2021

   Consider the following rivers :
   1. Brahmani
   2. Nagavali
   3. Subarnarekha
   4. Vamsadhara
   Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?

   1. A1 and 2
   2. B2 and 4
   3. C3 and 4
   4. D1 and 3
8. 8.

   UPSC 2019

   Consider the following pairs : Famous place River
   1. Pandharpur : Chandrabhaga
   2. Tiruchirappalli : Cauvery
   3. Hampi : Malaprabha
   Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
9. 9.

   UPSC 2019

   Consider the following pairs : Glacier River
   1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna
   2. Bara Shigri : Chenab
   3. Milam : Mandakini
   4. Siachen : Nubra
   5. Zemu : Manas
   Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

   1. A1, 2 and 4
   2. B1, 3 and 4
   3. C2 and 5
   4. D3 and 5
10. 10.

    UPSC 2019

    What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?

    1. ARecently discovered uranium deposits
    2. BTropical rain forests
    3. CUnderground cave systems
    4. DWater reservoirs
11. 11.

    UPSC 2017

    With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements :
    1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
    2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
    3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 and 3 only
    2. B2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
12. 12.

    UPSC 2016

    Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra?
    1. Dibang
    2. Kameng
    3. Lohit
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
13. 13.

    UPSC 2016

    Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?

    1. ACauvery and Tungabhadra
    2. BGodavari and Krishna
    3. CMahanadi and Sone
    4. DNarmada and Tapti
14. 14.

    UPSC 2015

    Consider the following rivers :
    1. Vamsadhara
    2. Indravati
    3. Pranahita
    4. Pennar
    Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?

    1. A1, 2 and 3
    2. B2, 3 and 4
    3. C1, 2 and 4
    4. D2 and 3 only
15. 15.

    UPSC 2014

    Consider the following rivers :
    1. Barak
    2. Lohit
    3. Subansiri
    Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
16. 16.

    UPSC 2013

    The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
    1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
    2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
    3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. DNone
17. 17.

    UPSC 2010

    Rivers that pass through Himachal Pradesh are

    1. ABeas and Chenab only
    2. BBeas and Ravi only
    3. CChenab, Ravi and Satluj only
    4. DBeas, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj and Yamuna
18. 18.

    UPSC 2010

    With reference to the river Luni, which one of the following statements is correct?

    1. AIt flows into Gulf of Khambhat
    2. BIt flows into Gulf of Kuchchh
    3. CIt flows into Pakistan and merges with a tributary of Indus
    4. DIt is lost in the marshy land of the Rann of Kuchchh
19. 19.

    UPSC 2010

    Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? Dam/Lake — River

    1. AGovind Sagar : Satluj
    2. BKolleru Lake : Krishna
    3. CUkai Reservoir : Tapi
    4. DWular Lake : Jhelum
20. 20.

    UPSC 2009

    Which one of the following rivers does not originate in India ?

    1. ABeas
    2. BChenab
    3. CRavi
    4. DSutlej
21. 21.

    UPSC 2009

    At which one of the following places do two important rivers of India originate; while one of them flows towards north and merges with another important river flowing towards Bay of Bengal, the other one flows towards Arabian Sea ?

    1. AAmarkantak
    2. BBadrinath
    3. CMahabaleshwar
    4. DNasik
22. 22.

    UPSC 2009

    Consider the following statements:
    1. There are no east flowing rivers in Kerala.
    2. There are no west flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
23. 23.

    UPSC 2009

    Consider the following statements :
    1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty.
    2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
24. 24.

    UPSC 2009

    The Dul Hasti Power Station is based on which one of the following rivers ?

    1. ABeas
    2. BChenab
    3. CRavi
    4. DSutlej
25. 25.

    UPSC 2008

    Consider the following pairs: Tributary River – Main River
    1. Chambal : Narmada
    2. Sone : Yamuna
    3. Manas : Brahmaputra
    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    1. A1, 2 and 3
    2. B1 and 2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D3 only
26. 26.

    UPSC 2008

    On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located?

    1. AAlaknanda
    2. BBhagirathi
    3. CDhauliganga
    4. DMandakini
27. 27.

    UPSC 2008

    Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? Waterfalls — River
    1. Kapildhara Falls : Godavari
    2. Jog Falls : Sharavati
    3. Sivasamudram Falls : Cauvery
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
28. 28.

    UPSC 2008

    Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? Irrigation Project — State
    1. Damanganga : Gujarat
    2. Girna : Maharashtra
    3. Pamba : Kerala
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
29. 29.

    UPSC 2008

    Where are Tapovan and Vishnugarh Hydroelectric Projects located?

    1. AMadhya Pradesh
    2. BUttar Pradesh
    3. CUttarakhand
    4. DRajasthan
30. 30.

    UPSC 2008

    With which one of the following rivers is the Omkareshwar Project associated?

    1. AChambal
    2. BNarmada
    3. CTapi
    4. DBhima
31. 31.

    UPSC 2007

    Assertion (A): River Kalinadi is an east-flowing river in the southern part of India. Reason (R): The Deccan Plateau is higher along its western edge and gently slopes towards the Bay of Bengal in the east.

    1. ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
    2. BBoth A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
    3. CA is true but R is false
    4. DA is false but R is true
32. 32.

    UPSC 2007

    Which one among the following rivers originates at Amarkantak?

    1. ADamodar
    2. BMahanadi
    3. CNarmada
    4. DTapi
33. 33.

    UPSC 2007

    Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :
    List-I (Town)
    A. Betul
    B. Jagdalpur
    C. Jabalpur
    D. Ujjain
    List-II (River)
    1. Indravati
    2. Narmada
    3. Shipra
    4. Tapti

    1. AA-1 B-4 C-2 D-3
    2. BA-4 B-1 C-2 D-3
    3. CA-4 B-1 C-3 D-2
    4. DA-1 B-4 C-3 D-2
34. 34.

    UPSC 2006

    From north towards south, which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given rivers in India?

    1. AShyok - Spiti - Zaskar - Satluj
    2. BShyok - Zaskar - Spiti - Satluj
    3. CZaskar - Shyok - Satluj - Spiti
    4. DZaskar - Satluj - Shyok - Spiti
35. 35.

    UPSC 2006

    Which one of the following statements is not correct?

    1. AMahanadi River rises in Chhattisgarh
    2. BGodavari River rises in Maharashtra
    3. CCauvery River rises in Andhra Pradesh
    4. DTapti River rises in Madhya Pradesh
36. 36.

    UPSC 2005

    Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following?

    1. AChambal Project
    2. BKosi Project
    3. CDamodar Valley Project
    4. DBhakra Nangal Project
37. 37.

    UPSC 2004

    Consider the following statements:
    1. Damodar Valley Corporation is the first multipurpose river valley project of independent India.
    2. Damodar Valley Corporation includes thermal and gas power stations.
    Which of these statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
38. 38.

    UPSC 2004

    Assertion (A): West-flowing rivers of Peninsular India have no deltas. Reason (R): These rivers do not carry any alluvial sediment.

    1. ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
    2. BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
    3. CA is true but R is false
    4. DA is false but R is true
39. 39.

    UPSC 2003

    What is the correct sequence of the rivers—Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmada and Tapti in the descending order of their lengths?

    1. AGodavari—Mahanadi—Narmada—Tapti
    2. BGodavari—Narmada—Mahanadi—Tapti
    3. CNarmada—Godavari—Tapti—Mahanadi
    4. DNarmada—Tapti—Godavari—Mahanadi
40. 40.

    UPSC 2002

    The correct sequence of the eastward flowing rivers of the peninsular India from north to south is

    1. ASubarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery and Vagai
    2. BSubarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Cauvery, Vagai, Pennar
    3. CMahanadi, Subarnarekha, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Pennar and Vagai
    4. DMahanadi, Subarnarekha, Krishna, Godavari, Cauvery, Vagai and Pennar
41. 41.

    UPSC 2000

    Which one of the following statements is not true?

    1. AGhaggar’s water is utilised in the Indira Gandhi Canal
    2. BNarmada rises from Amarkantak region
    3. CNizam Sagar is situated on the Manjira River
    4. DPenganga is a tributary of the Godavari
42. 42.

    UPSC 1999

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
    List I (Rivers)
    I. Cauvery
    II. Krishna
    III. Narmada
    IV. Chambal
    List II (Dams)
    A) Alamatti
    B) Mettur
    C) Gandhi Sagar
    D) Sardar Sarovar

    1. AI-A, II-D, III-B, IV-C
    2. BI-B, II-A, III-D, IV-C
    3. CI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D
    4. DI-A, II-C, III-D, IV-B
43. 43.

    UPSC 1998

    Which one of the following east-flowing rivers of India has a rift valley due to down-warping?

    1. ADamodar
    2. BMahanadi
    3. CSone
    4. DYamuna
44. 44.

    UPSC 1997

    The Alamatti Dam is on the river

    1. AGodavari
    2. BCauvery
    3. CKrishna
    4. DMahanadi
45. 45.

    UPSC 1997

    The canal carrying capacity of Farakka is

    1. A75,000 cusecs
    2. B70,000 cusecs
    3. C40,000 cusecs
    4. D35,000 cusecs
46. 46.

    UPSC 1996

    Which one of the following rivers thrice forks into two streams and reunites a few miles farther on, thus forming the islands of Srirangapattnam, Sivasamudram and Srirangam?

    1. ACauvery
    2. BTungabhadra
    3. CKrishna
    4. DGodavari
47. 47.

    UPSC 1996

    Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
    I. Idukki — Thermal power station
    II. Sabarigiri — Hydro-electric project
    III. Ghatprabha — Irrigation project
    IV. Ramganga — Multipurpose project
    Select the correct answer by using the codes given below:

    1. AII, III and IV
    2. BI, II, III and IV
    3. CIII and IV
    4. DI and II
48. 48.

    UPSC 1996

    Consider the following rivers:
    I. Kishenganga
    II. Ganga
    III. Wainganga
    IV. Penganga
    The correct sequence of these rivers when arranged in the north-south direction is —

    1. AI, II, III, IV
    2. BII, I, III, IV
    3. CI, II, IV, III
    4. DI, III, IV, II
49. 49.

    UPSC 2014

    Consider the following pairs : Wetlands
    1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
    2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Confluence of Banas and Chambal
    3. Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and Krishna
    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
50. 50.

    UPSC 2012

    When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following :
    1. Deep gorges
    2. U-turn river courses
    3. Parallel mountain ranges
    4. Steep gradients causing landsliding
    Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B1, 2 and 4 only
    3. C3 and 4 only
    4. D1, 2, 3 and 4
51. 51.

    UPSC 2011

    The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a "U" turn in its course to flow into India. This "U" turn is due to

    1. Auplift of folded Himalayan series
    2. Bsyntaxis bending of geologically young Himalayas
    3. Cgeo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains
    4. DBoth (a) and (b) above