With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of

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

Ghaghara – Gomati – Gandak – Kosi
Gomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi
Ghaghara – Gomati – Kosi – Gandak
Gomati – Ghaghara – Kosi – Gandak
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
To determine the correct sequence of Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, we need to consider the geographical locations of their confluences with the Ganga.
Prayagraj is the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna. Moving downstream (eastwards) from Prayagraj:
1. The Gomati River joins the Ganga near Saidpur, Uttar Pradesh.
2. The Ghaghara River joins the Ganga near Chhapra, Bihar, which is downstream (east) of the Gomati’s confluence.
3. The Gandak River joins the Ganga near Patna, Bihar, which is downstream (east) of the Ghaghara’s confluence.
4. The Kosi River joins the Ganga near Kursela in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, which is downstream (east) of the Gandak’s confluence.
Therefore, the correct sequence from West to East is Gomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi.
Major tributaries of the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from west to east include the Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi. Knowing the relative positions of their confluences is key to determining the order.
These rivers originate in the Himalayas and are major contributors of water and sediment to the Ganga river system. The Kosi is particularly known for its frequent changes in course, often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bihar”.