Q1. With reference to the Indus River system, consider the following statements:
- The Indus River enters India through the Damchok sector in Ladakh.
- Among its major tributaries, the Satluj is the only one that originates outside of India.
- The Chenab, the largest tributary of the Indus, is formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in the Lahaul region.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: D (1, 2, and 3)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct
- Indus enters India near Damchok (Ladakh) and flows northwest into Pakistan.
- Statement 2: Correct
- Satluj originates near Rakshas Tal (Tibet).
- Other tributaries:
- Jhelum → Verinag
- Chenab → Bara Lacha La (via Chandra–Bhaga)
- Ravi & Beas → Himachal Pradesh
- Statement 3: Correct
- Chenab = Chandra + Bhaga confluence in Lahaul region
- Known as Chandrabhaga in upper reaches
Q2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the “Drainage Divide” between the Ganga and the Indus river systems?
A) The Aravalli Range acts as the primary water divide, separating the waters of the Ambala region.
B) The Satpura Range prevents the Ganga from flowing into the Arabian Sea.
C) The Malwa Plateau acts as a tri-junction divide between the Indus, Ganga, and Narmada systems.
D) The Potwar Plateau in Pakistan is the sole geological divide between these two major basins.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
- Ambala water divide:
- Separates Indus tributaries from Yamuna (Ganga system)
- Located in Haryana
- Aravalli Range:
- Forms southwestern extension of this divide
- Other options:
- Satpura → divides Narmada–Tapti from peninsular rivers
- Malwa Plateau → not a tri-junction of these three systems
- Potwar Plateau → not the primary divide
Q3. Consider the following pairs of rivers and their “Signature Tributaries”:
- Godavari – Manjira
- Krishna – Koyna
- Tapti – Purna
- Mahanadi – Ong
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A) 1, 2, and 3 only
B) 1, 3, and 4 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Correct Answer: B (1, 3, and 4 only)
Explanation:
- Pair 1: Correct
- Manjira → important tributary of Godavari
- Pair 2: Incorrect
- Koyna is a tributary of Krishna but not typically classified as a “signature” major tributary
- Pair 3: Correct
- Purna → major tributary of Tapti
- Pair 4: Correct
- Ong (along with Tel, Jonk) → tributaries of Mahanadi
Q4. With reference to the “Pennar” and “Cauvery” basins, consider the following statements:
- The Pennar basin is located entirely within the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
- Unlike most Peninsular rivers, the Cauvery basin receives rainfall from both the Southwest and Northeast monsoons.
- The Sivasamudram falls is located on the Pennar river.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: A (1 and 2 only)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct
- Pennar basin covers Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
- Statement 2: Correct
- Cauvery basin benefits from:
- Southwest monsoon (Western Ghats)
- Northeast monsoon (Tamil Nadu region)
- Cauvery basin benefits from:
- Statement 3: Incorrect
- Sivasamudram Falls is on the Cauvery river
Q5. Which of the following rivers are part of the “Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna” composite basin?
- Surma
- Kushiyara
- Barak
- Manas
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 2, and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Correct Answer: D (1, 2, 3, and 4)
Explanation:
- Barak River
- Originates in Manipur
- Splits into:
- Surma
- Kushiyara (in Bangladesh)
- These rivers reunite to form the Meghna system
- Manas River
- Major right-bank tributary of Brahmaputra
- All listed rivers are part of the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna basin system


