Indian Geography

Which one of the following is not a desert river?

[amp_mcq option1=”Barak” option2=”Rupen” option3=”Banas” option4=”Machchhu” correct=”option1″]

Barak River is not a desert river.

Desert rivers are typically associated with arid or semi-arid regions, often characterized by ephemeral flow or inland drainage. The Barak River flows through the humid regions of Northeast India and Bangladesh.

The Barak River is a significant river flowing through parts of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Bangladesh. It forms part of the Surma-Meghna River system, which is a major river system in Bangladesh. This region is known for its high rainfall and humid climate, making the Barak River system completely different from rivers found in desert or semi-arid environments. The Rupen, Banas, and Machchhu rivers flow through or originate in the drier or semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, often terminating in inland drainage systems like the Rann of Kutch, which are characteristic of arid environments.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I (Tributary)	List-II (River)
A. Sutlej	1. Yamuna
B. Kosi	2. Brahmaputra
C. Teesta	3. Ganga
D. Chambal	4. Indus

[amp_mcq option1=”A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4″ option2=”A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4″ option3=”A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1″ option4=”A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1″ correct=”option3″]

The correct match is A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1.

Understanding the major river systems of India and their key tributaries is essential for geography.

A. Sutlej is a major tributary of the Indus River. It originates in Tibet and flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before entering Pakistan and joining the Chenab, which ultimately joins the Indus River. (A-4)
B. Kosi River originates in Nepal and joins the Ganga River in Bihar. It is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” due to frequent floods. (B-3)
C. Teesta River flows through Sikkim and West Bengal in India and then through Bangladesh before joining the Brahmaputra River. (C-2)
D. Chambal River originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh before joining the Yamuna River, which is a major tributary of the Ganga River. (D-1)
Matching the lists gives: A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1. This corresponds to Option C.

Consider the following statements :

• 1. River Kaveri has well developed valley
• 2. Valley of River Alakananda is still growing
• 3. River Krishna is largest east flowing peninsular river

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1 and 2″ option3=”2 and 3″ option4=”2 only” correct=”option4″]

The correct answer is (D) 2 only.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Peninsular rivers generally flow over ancient, stable plateau surfaces. Rivers like the Kaveri have relatively mature, shallow valleys because the region has been tectonically stable for a long time, and the rivers have been flowing for millions of years, reaching a relatively graded profile. Well-developed, deep valleys are more characteristic of youthful rivers flowing through uplifted or geologically active areas.
Statement 2 is correct: The Alakananda is a Himalayan river. Himalayan rivers are much younger and flow through geologically active and uplifted mountainous terrain. They are actively eroding and downcutting, leading to the formation of deep, steep-sided valleys (like gorges and canyons) that are still in a phase of active growth and deepening.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The River Krishna is a large east-flowing peninsular river, but it is not the largest. The River Godavari is considered the largest peninsular river, followed by the Krishna.

The Godavari is often referred to as the ‘Dakshin Ganga’ due to its size and significance, being the largest river of peninsular India. The Alakananda is one of the two headstreams of the holy river Ganga; its youthful characteristics are typical of rivers originating from the relatively young and rising Himalayan mountains. Peninsular rivers like Kaveri, Krishna, and Godavari have more subdued relief and older, flatter drainage basins compared to the Himalayan rivers.