Rivers have shaped the geography, culture, and history of India for centuries. From the mighty Ganges to the sacred Yamuna, and the perennial Brahmaputra to the seasonal Narmada, India’s rivers are not only vital for its economy but also for its traditions and spiritual beliefs. Understanding the rivers of India is essential for competitive exams and for anyone keen to learn about the country’s physical geography. In this blog post, we’ll explore 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to the rivers of India. Each MCQ comes with an answer and a detailed explanation to help you enhance your knowledge and test your understanding of the subject.
1. Which of the following rivers is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”?
a) Ganges
b) Kosi
c) Yamuna
d) Godavari
Answer: b) Kosi
Explanation: The Kosi River, flowing through Bihar, is often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bihar” because of its devastating floods that have affected the region for centuries.
2. The Narmada River flows through which of the following states?
a) Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
b) Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh
c) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
d) Assam and Bihar
Answer: a) Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
Explanation: The Narmada River originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward, emptying into the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. It is one of the major west-flowing rivers in India.
3. Which river is known as the “Ganga of the South”?
a) Godavari
b) Kaveri
c) Krishna
d) Narmada
Answer: b) Kaveri
Explanation: The Kaveri River, which flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, is often referred to as the “Ganga of the South” due to its importance for the people and its sacred status in South India.
4. Which river is the largest in India by discharge?
a) Ganges
b) Brahmaputra
c) Godavari
d) Krishna
Answer: b) Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River, with its massive discharge, is the largest river in India by volume. It has an average discharge of about 19,308 cubic meters per second.
5. The river known for its “Kumbh Mela” pilgrimage is:
a) Ganges
b) Yamuna
c) Godavari
d) Saraswati
Answer: a) Ganges
Explanation: The Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu pilgrimage that occurs on the banks of the Ganges River. Devotees bathe in the river during this event to cleanse themselves of sins.
6. Which river is considered the lifeline of the state of Punjab?
a) Yamuna
b) Beas
c) Sutlej
d) Ravi
Answer: c) Sutlej
Explanation: The Sutlej River is the lifeline of Punjab, providing water for irrigation, agriculture, and drinking purposes. It is the longest of the five rivers of Punjab.
7. Which of the following rivers does not flow into the Bay of Bengal?
a) Ganges
b) Brahmaputra
c) Godavari
d) Narmada
Answer: d) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River is one of the few major rivers in India that flows westward into the Arabian Sea, not into the Bay of Bengal.
8. The river Yamuna originates from which place?
a) Mansarovar Lake
b) Yamunotri Glacier
c) Kailash Parbat
d) Sikkim
Answer: b) Yamunotri Glacier
Explanation: The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, before flowing through Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
9. Which river is known as the “lifeline of Assam”?
a) Brahmaputra
b) Barak
c) Mahanadi
d) Godavari
Answer: a) Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River is often referred to as the “lifeline of Assam” due to its crucial role in irrigation, transportation, and providing water to the region.
10. The Krishna River flows through which of the following states?
a) Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka
b) Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra
c) Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh
d) Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand
Answer: a) Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka
Explanation: The Krishna River flows through four states: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, and is an important river for agriculture in these regions.
11. Which of these rivers is the longest among the Indian Peninsular rivers?
a) Ganges
b) Krishna
c) Godavari
d) Mahanadi
Answer: c) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari River is the longest river in Peninsular India, stretching over 1,465 kilometers. It originates in the state of Maharashtra and flows eastward.
12. The Chambal River is a tributary of which major river?
a) Ganges
b) Yamuna
c) Narmada
d) Mahanadi
Answer: b) Yamuna
Explanation: The Chambal River is a tributary of the Yamuna River. It originates in the Vindhya Range and flows through Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
13. Which river is famous for the city of Varanasi situated on its banks?
a) Ganges
b) Yamuna
c) Brahmaputra
d) Godavari
Answer: a) Ganges
Explanation: Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, which holds immense religious significance in Hinduism.
14. Which river is known for having the largest delta in the world?
a) Godavari
b) Ganges
c) Brahmaputra
d) Mahanadi
Answer: b) Ganges
Explanation: The Ganges River forms the Sundarbans Delta, which is the largest delta in the world and extends into Bangladesh.
15. The Mahanadi River originates from which state?
a) Madhya Pradesh
b) Chhattisgarh
c) Maharashtra
d) Jharkhand
Answer: b) Chhattisgarh
Explanation: The Mahanadi River originates from the Maikal Hills in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha, where it empties into the Bay of Bengal.
16. Which of the following rivers is also called the “Dakshina Ganga” (Ganga of the South)?
a) Kaveri
b) Godavari
c) Krishna
d) Tapi
Answer: b) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari is often called the “Dakshina Ganga” (Ganga of the South) because of its importance in the southern part of India, similar to that of the Ganges in the north.
17. Which river flows through the city of Delhi?
a) Ganges
b) Yamuna
c) Brahmaputra
d) Chambal
Answer: b) Yamuna
Explanation: The Yamuna River flows through the city of Delhi, serving as an important water source for the capital and surrounding areas.
18. Which of the following rivers does not flow into the Bay of Bengal?
a) Ganges
b) Brahmaputra
c) Mahanadi
d) Narmada
Answer: d) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River is one of the few rivers in India that flows westward, draining into the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal.
19. Which river is famous for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam?
a) Ganges
b) Brahmaputra
c) Narmada
d) Godavari
Answer: c) Narmada
Explanation: The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the Narmada River in Gujarat, and it is one of the largest multi-purpose dams in India.
20. The river which is famous for creating a natural boundary between India and Bangladesh is:
a) Brahmaputra
b) Ganges
c) Barak
d) Meghna
Answer: a) Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River serves as a natural boundary between India and Bangladesh in certain areas.
21. Which river is referred to as the “Queen of the Deccan”?
a) Krishna
b) Godavari
c) Narmada
d) Tapi
Answer: b) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari River is often referred to as the “Queen of the Deccan” due to its grandeur and the fact that it is the second-largest river in peninsular India.
22. Which river is the primary source of irrigation in the state of Tamil Nadu?
a) Godavari
b) Kaveri
c) Krishna
d) Mahanadi
Answer: b) Kaveri
Explanation: The Kaveri River is crucial for irrigation in Tamil Nadu, particularly for agriculture in the Cauvery Delta.
23. The river that forms the boundary between the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar is:
a) Ganges
b) Yamuna
c) Ghaghara
d) Kosi
Answer: a) Ganges
Explanation: The Ganges River forms a natural boundary between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
24. Which of the following rivers is the longest river of Kerala?
a) Narmada
b) Periyar
c) Kaveri
d) Godavari
Answer: b) Periyar
Explanation: The Periyar River is the longest river in Kerala, flowing through the Western Ghats and into the Arabian Sea.
25. The Mahi River originates from which state?
a) Rajasthan
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Maharashtra
d) Gujarat
Answer: a) Rajasthan
Explanation: The Mahi River originates in Rajasthan and flows through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
26. Which river is known for creating the famous Narmada Valley?
a) Godavari
b) Narmada
c) Krishna
d) Yamuna
Answer: b) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River creates the Narmada Valley, one of the most significant river valleys in India. It flows westward and is unique among Indian rivers as it does not have a delta but instead flows directly into the Arabian Sea.
27. The Sarayu River, mentioned in Hindu mythology, flows through which state?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Bihar
c) Assam
d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: a) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: The Sarayu River is an important river in Hindu mythology, and it flows through Uttar Pradesh, notably near the city of Ayodhya, which is the birthplace of Lord Rama.
28. Which river is associated with the city of Kolkata?
a) Godavari
b) Hooghly
c) Yamuna
d) Brahmaputra
Answer: b) Hooghly
Explanation: The Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges, flows through Kolkata. It is crucial for trade and transportation in the region and plays an important role in the cultural and economic life of West Bengal.
29. The River Narmada flows primarily through which geographical region of India?
a) Northern Plains
b) Deccan Plateau
c) Himalayan Region
d) Coastal Plains
Answer: b) Deccan Plateau
Explanation: The Narmada River flows through the Deccan Plateau. It originates from the Maikala Range in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through a rift valley formed by the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
30. Which river is associated with the historic city of Haridwar?
a) Yamuna
b) Ganges
c) Brahmaputra
d) Godavari
Answer: b) Ganges
Explanation: Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in India and is located on the banks of the Ganges River. It is the site of the Kumbh Mela and holds significant spiritual importance in Hinduism.
31. Which river originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh?
a) Mahanadi
b) Godavari
c) Narmada
d) Tapti
Answer: c) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau, located in Madhya Pradesh, and flows westward toward the Arabian Sea, draining into it.
32. Which river is known for the famous river island of Majuli?
a) Ganges
b) Brahmaputra
c) Godavari
d) Krishna
Answer: b) Brahmaputra
Explanation: Majuli is the largest river island in the world, located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is famous for its unique culture, monasteries, and wildlife.
33. Which river forms the boundary between the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh?
a) Chambal
b) Yamuna
c) Tapti
d) Narmada
Answer: a) Chambal
Explanation: The Chambal River forms part of the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It is an important tributary of the Yamuna River.
34. Which river is the primary source of water for the city of Hyderabad?
a) Krishna
b) Godavari
c) Kaveri
d) Musi
Answer: d) Musi
Explanation: The Musi River is the primary river flowing through Hyderabad. It is a tributary of the Krishna River and provides water to the city.
35. The Tungabhadra River is a tributary of which major river?
a) Krishna
b) Kaveri
c) Godavari
d) Yamuna
Answer: a) Krishna
Explanation: The Tungabhadra River is a major tributary of the Krishna River, originating in the Western Ghats and flowing through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
36. Which river is referred to as “the lifeline of Tamil Nadu”?
a) Godavari
b) Kaveri
c) Krishna
d) Mahanadi
Answer: b) Kaveri
Explanation: The Kaveri River is often referred to as “the lifeline of Tamil Nadu” because of its crucial role in the irrigation and agriculture of the state, particularly in the Cauvery Delta.
37. The Brahmaputra River is primarily associated with which region of India?
a) South India
b) North-East India
c) Western India
d) Central India
Answer: b) North-East India
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River flows through the northeastern region of India, particularly Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and is one of the major rivers in the Indian subcontinent.
38. Which river is the primary source of water for the city of Bengaluru?
a) Krishna
b) Kaveri
c) Godavari
d) Narmada
Answer: b) Kaveri
Explanation: The Kaveri River is the primary source of water for Bengaluru, Karnataka. The river is used for both drinking water and irrigation purposes in the region.
39. The Chambal River is famous for which of the following?
a) Large dams
b) Crocodile sanctuary
c) Ancient temples
d) Sacred water rituals
Answer: b) Crocodile sanctuary
Explanation: The Chambal River is known for the Chambal River Sanctuary, which is famous for its large population of crocodiles, particularly the gharial species, and other wildlife.
40. Which river is known for its delta that spans over parts of India and Bangladesh?
a) Brahmaputra
b) Ganges
c) Mahanadi
d) Godavari
Answer: b) Ganges
Explanation: The Ganges River creates the Sundarbans Delta, which spans parts of both India and Bangladesh. It is the largest delta in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
41. Which of these rivers is the main source of irrigation in Gujarat?
a) Narmada
b) Godavari
c) Yamuna
d) Kaveri
Answer: a) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River is the primary source of irrigation in Gujarat, especially through the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which provides water to millions of people.
42. Which river forms the natural boundary between India and Nepal?
a) Ganges
b) Kosi
c) Yamuna
d) Brahmaputra
Answer: b) Kosi
Explanation: The Kosi River forms part of the natural boundary between India and Nepal. It is a major tributary of the Ganges River and flows through Bihar.
43. Which river is known for its temple towns located along its banks, including the famous town of Rishikesh?
a) Yamuna
b) Brahmaputra
c) Ganges
d) Krishna
Answer: c) Ganges
Explanation: The Ganges River is home to numerous temple towns, including Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Varanasi, which are significant pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.
44. The Kaveri River flows through which of these states?
a) Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
b) Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan
c) Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha
d) Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
Answer: a) Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Explanation: The Kaveri River flows through the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It is crucial for agriculture and water supply in these regions.
45. Which river has the largest number of dams and reservoirs built on it in India?
a) Ganges
b) Krishna
c) Narmada
d) Godavari
Answer: b) Krishna
Explanation: The Krishna River has the largest number of dams and reservoirs built on it in India, with major dams such as the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and the Srisailam Dam.
46. Which of the following rivers is a seasonal river, meaning it only flows during the monsoon season?
a) Ganges
b) Yamuna
c) Luni
d) Brahmaputra
Answer: c) Luni
Explanation: The Luni River is a seasonal river that flows only during the monsoon season in Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is an important source of water in the arid regions.
47. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on which river?
a) Yamuna
b) Brahmaputra
c) Narmada
d) Godavari
Answer: c) Narmada
Explanation: The Sardar Sarovar Dam is located on the Narmada River in Gujarat. It is one of the largest dams in India and serves as a major water supply source for irrigation and drinking water.
48. Which of these rivers is entirely contained within the state of Gujarat?
a) Narmada
b) Tapi
c) Godavari
d) Krishna
Answer: b) Tapi
Explanation: The Tapi (Tapti) River is entirely contained within Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is one of the major west-flowing rivers of India.
49. The River Godavari flows into which body of water?
a) Bay of Bengal
b) Arabian Sea
c) Indian Ocean
d) Andaman Sea
Answer: a) Bay of Bengal
Explanation: The Godavari River empties into the Bay of Bengal. It is the second-longest river in India and has great cultural and ecological significance.
50. Which of these rivers is also referred to as “Saraswati” in Hindu mythology?
a) Ganges
b) Yamuna
c) Saraswati
d) Kaveri
Answer: c) Saraswati
Explanation: The Saraswati River is a sacred river mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. While it no longer exists in its original form, the river is still highly revered in Hindu mythology.
Conclusion:
These 50 MCQs on rivers of India range from origins of a river to their religious significance, cultural significance, or even their geography. Practicing these MCQs will enable you to acquire the importance rivers play in configuring the Indian subcontinent. For all education purposes, competitive exams, and general interest, knowledge in the Indian river system remains vital. Explore and practice!
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