Q1. What is the primary characteristic of the rivers originating in the Himalayas?
a) They are seasonal
b) They have short courses
c) They are perennial
d) They originate from the Eastern Ghats
Answer: c) They are perennial
Explanation: Rivers originating in the Himalayas, such as the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, are perennial, meaning they have water throughout the year. They receive water from both rainfall and melting snow from the mountains.
Q2. Which of the following rivers forms the world’s largest delta?
a) The Narmada
b) The Godavari
c) The Ganga and Brahmaputra
d) The Krishna
Answer: c) The Ganga and Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers converge in Bangladesh, forming the Sundarban Delta, the world’s largest and fastest-growing delta, renowned for its unique mangrove forests and the Royal Bengal tiger.
Q3. The Indus River originates in which region?
a) Indian Peninsula
b) The Eastern Ghats
c) Near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet
d) The Western Ghats
Answer: c) Near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet
Explanation: The Indus River has its source near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. It flows through regions like Ladakh and enters Pakistan, finally reaching the Arabian Sea.
Q4. Which of the following Peninsular rivers flows through a rift valley?
a) The Krishna
b) The Narmada
c) The Mahanadi
d) The Godavari
Answer: b) The Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River flows through a rift valley, a feature formed due to faulting. This rift valley runs towards the west from its source in the Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh.
Q5. What feature is formed when a river meanders across a floodplain?
a) Deltas
b) Gorges
c) Ox-bow lakes
d) Rift valleys
Answer: c) Ox-bow lakes
Explanation: Ox-bow lakes are formed when a river meanders across a floodplain. These are curved lakes formed when a wide meander from the mainstem of a river is cut off to create a lake.
Q6. Which of the following rivers is known as the ‘Tsang Po’ in Tibet?
a) The Indus
b) The Ganga
c) The Brahmaputra
d) The Godavari
Answer: c) The Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra River is known as ‘Tsang Po’ in Tibet. It flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas in Tibet, takes a U-turn at Namcha Barwa, and enters India in Arunachal Pradesh.
Q7. The Sundarban Delta is named after which type of tree?
a) Teak
b) Sundari
c) Mangrove
d) Banyan
Answer: b) Sundari
Explanation: The Sundarban Delta, formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, derives its name from the Sundari tree, a type of mangrove tree that is well adapted to the region’s marshy conditions.
Q8. What percentage of the Indus river system’s water can India use according to the Indus Water Treaty of 1960?
a) 80%
b) 10%
c) 50%
d) 20%
Answer: d) 20%
Explanation: As per the Indus Water Treaty signed in 1960, India is allowed to use only 20% of the total water carried by the Indus river system. This water is mainly utilized for irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.
Q9. Which of the following is the longest river of Peninsular India?
a) The Narmada
b) The Mahanadi
c) The Krishna
d) The Godavari
Answer: d) The Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari is the longest river in Peninsular India, with a length of about 1500 km. It originates from the slopes of the Western Ghats in the Nasik district of Maharashtra and drains into the Bay of Bengal.
Q10. The Brahmaputra River in India is known for which of the following characteristics in its Assam stretch?
a) Braided channel and riverine islands
b) Steep gorges and high waterfalls
c) Large delta formation
d) Flowing through rift valleys
Answer: a) Braided channel and riverine islands
Explanation: In Assam, the Brahmaputra is characterized by a braided channel and the formation of many riverine islands. The river’s large sediment load and the flat gradient contribute to this feature.
Q11. Which of the following rivers forms an estuary rather than a delta at its mouth?
a) The Cauvery
b) The Krishna
c) The Narmada
d) The Godavari
Answer: c) The Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River forms an estuary at its mouth, not a delta. This is due to its flow in a rift valley with a relatively straight course towards the Arabian Sea.
Q12. What is the main source of the Yamuna River?
a) The Yamunotri Glacier
b) The Gangotri Glacier
c) Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda
d) The slopes of the Eastern Ghats
Answer: a) The Yamunotri Glacier
Explanation: The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas. It flows parallel to the Ganga and meets it at Allahabad (Prayagraj).
Q13. Which river is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bengal’ due to its frequent flooding?
a) The Brahmaputra
b) The Ganga
c) The Damodar
d) The Kosi
Answer: c) The Damodar
Explanation: The Damodar River was historically known as the ‘Sorrow of Bengal’ because of its frequent and devastating floods in the region. However, dam and barrage constructions have significantly controlled these floods.
Q14. The ‘Namami Gange Programme’ was launched for the conservation of which river?
a) The Indus
b) The Brahmaputra
c) The Yamuna
d) The Ganga
Answer: d) The Ganga
Explanation: The ‘Namami Gange Programme’ is an initiative by the Indian government for the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga river. It aims to reduce pollution and restore the river’s health.
Q15. Which of the following is the world’s largest riverine island formed by the Brahmaputra?
a) Majuli
b) Srirangapatna
c) Shivanasamudra
d) Divar
Answer: a) Majuli
Explanation: Majuli, located in Assam on the Brahmaputra River, is the world’s largest riverine island. It is formed by the dynamic nature of the Brahmaputra’s course and sedimentation processes.
Q16. Which Peninsular river is known as ‘Dakshin Ganga’ due to its length and expanse?
a) The Kaveri
b) The Krishna
c) The Godavari
d) The Mahanadi
Answer: c) The Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari River is often referred to as the ‘Dakshin Ganga’ or ‘South Ganges’ due to its large length and the extensive area it covers, similar to the Ganges in the northern part of India.
Q17. Which of the following rivers is not a tributary of the Ganga?
a) Yamuna
b) Kosi
c) Ghaghara
d) Tapi
Answer: d) Tapi
Explanation: The Tapi River is not a tributary of the Ganga. It originates in the Satpura ranges and flows westward into the Arabian Sea. The Yamuna, Kosi, and Ghaghara are major tributaries of the Ganga.
Q18. The Krishna River originates from which place?
a) Near Mahabaleshwar
b) The Eastern Ghats
c) The slopes of the Western Ghats
d) Amarkantak Plateau
Answer: a) Near Mahabaleshwar
Explanation: The Krishna River originates from a spring near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats. It flows for about 1400 km and reaches the Bay of Bengal.
Q19. What is a ‘water divide’?
a) A man-made barrier to regulate river flow
b) An elevated area dividing two drainage basins
c) The confluence point of two rivers
d) A method of water conservation
Answer: b) An elevated area dividing two drainage basins
Explanation: A water divide is an elevated area, such as a mountain or an upland, that separates two drainage basins. It directs the flow of rivers in different directions.
Q20. Which of the following lakes is a result of tectonic activity?
a) Sambhar Lake
b) Dal Lake
c) Wular Lake
d) Chilika Lake
Answer: c) Wular Lake
Explanation: Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of tectonic activity, making it the largest freshwater lake in India. Other lakes like Sambhar, Dal, and Chilika have different origins.
Q21. Which of the following statements about the Peninsular rivers of India is true?
a) They are mostly perennial rivers
b) They form large deltas at their mouths
c) They have longer courses than Himalayan rivers
d) Many of them originate in the Western Ghats and flow towards the Bay of Bengal
Answer: d) Many of them originate in the Western Ghats and flow towards the Bay of Bengal
Explanation: A significant characteristic of Peninsular rivers is that many, like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, originate in the Western Ghats and predominantly flow eastwards towards the Bay of Bengal.
Q22. What is the primary reason for the Brahmaputra River having a braided channel in Assam?
a) High tectonic activity in the region
b) Presence of numerous riverine islands
c) Large volume of water and heavy silt load
d) Steep gradient of the river
Answer: c) Large volume of water and heavy silt load
Explanation: In Assam, the Brahmaputra has a braided channel primarily due to its large volume of water and heavy silt load. This causes the river to form multiple channels and riverine islands.
Q23. Which river of India is associated with the marble rocks and the Dhuadhar falls?
a) The Narmada
b) The Godavari
c) The Cauvery
d) The Krishna
Answer: a) The Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River, flowing through a rift valley, creates picturesque locations like the marble rocks near Jabalpur and the Dhuadhar falls, where it plunges over steep rocks.
Q24. What is the major difference between the lakes of the Himalayan region and those in the Peninsular region?
a) Himalayan lakes are mostly artificial, while Peninsular lakes are natural
b) Himalayan lakes are generally larger and of glacial origin, while Peninsular lakes are smaller and often seasonal
c) Peninsular lakes are saltwater, while Himalayan lakes are freshwater
d) Himalayan lakes are mainly used for hydroelectric power, while Peninsular lakes are for irrigation
Answer: b) Himalayan lakes are generally larger and of glacial origin, while Peninsular lakes are smaller and often seasonal
Explanation: Lakes in the Himalayan region, like Wular and Dal, are generally larger and of glacial origin, while lakes in the Peninsular region, such as those in the inland drainage areas, are often smaller and seasonal.
Q25. Which river in India is known for creating the largest delta in the world?
a) The Ganga
b) The Brahmaputra
c) The Indus
d) Both a) and b)
Answer: d) Both a) and b)
Explanation: The Ganga and the Brahmaputra rivers together create the largest delta in the world, known as the Sundarban Delta. This delta is characterized by its unique mangrove forests.
Q26. The Tapi River flows through which Indian states?
a) Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana
b) Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh
c) Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana
d) West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha
Answer: b) Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Tapi River originates in the Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
Q27. What is the main cause of river pollution in India?
a) Natural sedimentation
b) Untreated sewage and industrial effluents
c) Excessive rainfall
d) Agricultural runoff only
Answer: b) Untreated sewage and industrial effluents
Explanation: A major cause of river pollution in India is the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents into the rivers. This pollution affects the water quality and the river’s self-cleansing capacity.
Q28. Which lake in India is known for its houseboats and shikaras?
a) Loktak Lake
b) Dal Lake
c) Nainital Lake
d) Chilika Lake
Answer: b) Dal Lake
Explanation: Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its houseboats and shikaras, making it a popular tourist attraction known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.
Q29. Which of the following rivers is referred to as the ‘Sorrow of Assam’?
a) The Brahmaputra
b) The Kosi
c) The Barak
d) The Manas
Answer: b) The Kosi
Explanation: The Kosi River is often referred to as the ‘Sorrow of Assam’ due to its frequent and devastating floods in Assam and Bihar, causing significant damage to life and property.
Q30. In which Indian state does the river Narmada originate?
a) Gujarat
b) Maharashtra
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Rajasthan
Answer: c) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh. It flows towards the west, creating a rift valley, and empties into the Arabian Sea.
Q31. Which of the following is not a feature formed by river action?
a) Delta
b) Gorge
c) Lagoon
d) Oxbow Lake
Answer: c) Lagoon
Explanation: Lagoons are usually formed by coastal processes and are not a direct result of river action. Deltas, gorges, and oxbow lakes are typical features formed by the activity of rivers.
Q32. The ‘Namami Devi Narmade’ scheme is associated with the conservation of which river?
a) The Narmada
b) The Kaveri
c) The Godavari
d) The Krishna
Answer: a) The Narmada
Explanation: The ‘Namami Devi Narmade’ scheme is an initiative by the government of Madhya Pradesh for the conservation of the Narmada River. It focuses on the river’s rejuvenation and sustainable management.
Q33. Which of these rivers is known for changing its course frequently, causing the riverbed to rise?
a) The Ganga
b) The Yamuna
c) The Brahmaputra
d) The Kaveri
Answer: c) The Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra is known for frequently changing its course, particularly in the Assam region. This is due to the heavy load of silt it carries, which causes the riverbed to rise.
Q34. What is the main reason for the seasonal nature of the Peninsular rivers?
a) They are mainly fed by glacial meltwater.
b) They rely largely on rainfall for their water.
c) Their flow is regulated by dams and reservoirs.
d) They have very short courses.
Answer: b) They rely largely on rainfall for their water.
Explanation: Most Peninsular rivers are seasonal because their flow largely depends on rainfall. During the dry season, these rivers experience reduced water flow.
Q35. The Chambal, Betwa, and Son are tributaries of which major river?
a) The Indus
b) The Brahmaputra
c) The Ganga
d) The Godavari
Answer: c) The Ganga
Explanation: The Chambal, Betwa, and Son are significant tributaries of the Ganga River. They originate in the peninsular uplands and join the Ganga at various points along its course.
Q36. What is the primary function of lakes in regulating the flow of rivers?
a) Generating hydroelectric power
b) Providing habitats for aquatic life
c) Preventing flooding during heavy rains and maintaining flow during dry seasons
d) Acting as tourist attractions
Answer: c) Preventing flooding during heavy rains and maintaining flow during dry seasons
Explanation: Lakes play a crucial role in regulating the flow of rivers. During heavy rains, they prevent flooding by absorbing excess water, and during the dry season, they help maintain an even flow of water.
Q37. The headwaters of the Ganga are fed by which glacier?
a) The Gangotri Glacier
b) The Yamunotri Glacier
c) The Siachen Glacier
d) The Manaslu Glacier
Answer: a) The Gangotri Glacier
Explanation: The headwaters of the Ganga, called the ‘Bhagirathi,’ are fed by the Gangotri Glacier. The Ganga River officially begins at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda at Devaprayag.
Q38. Which river basin is the largest in India?
a) The Indus River Basin
b) The Ganga River Basin
c) The Godavari River Basin
d) The Brahmaputra River Basin
Answer: b) The Ganga River Basin
Explanation: The Ganga River Basin is the largest in India, covering a significant part of the country. It includes the main river, the Ganga, and all its tributaries and sub-tributaries.
Q39. Which lake in Rajasthan is known as a saltwater lake?
a) Pushkar Lake
b) Pichola Lake
c) Sambhar Lake
d) Nakki Lake
Answer: c) Sambhar Lake
Explanation: Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is a saltwater lake. It is notable for salt production and is the largest inland salt lake in India.
Q40. Which of the following rivers is not primarily a rain-fed river?
a) The Cauvery
b) The Krishna
c) The Ganga
d) The Mahanadi
Answer: c) The Ganga
Explanation: Unlike the other rivers listed, which are primarily rain-fed, the Ganga is a perennial river. It is fed by both rainfall and the melting of snow and glaciers in the Himalayas.
Q41. Which of the following rivers flows through a gorge in its upper course?
a) The Yamuna
b) The Kaveri
c) The Indus
d) The Godavari
Answer: c) The Indus
Explanation: In its upper course, the Indus River flows through a picturesque gorge, particularly in the Ladakh region. This gorge is formed as the river cuts through the mountains.
Q42. The Narmada River creates which of the following notable features near Jabalpur?
a) The Marble Rocks
b) Dudhsagar Falls
c) The Sunderbans Delta
d) Chilika Lake
Answer: a) The Marble Rocks
Explanation: Near Jabalpur, the Narmada River flows through a deep gorge known as the Marble Rocks. This is a stunning natural feature where the river has cut through marble, creating a beautiful gorge.
Q43. Which of the following rivers has the largest river basin in India?
a) The Brahmaputra
b) The Ganga
c) The Krishna
d) The Godavari
Answer: b) The Ganga
Explanation: The Ganga River Basin is the largest in India, covering a significant portion of the country and supporting a vast array of flora and fauna, as well as human settlements.
Q44. What is the Sundarban Delta primarily known for?
a) Its desert-like conditions
b) The largest mangrove forests in the world
c) Being the source of the Ganga River
d) Marble rock formations
Answer: b) The largest mangrove forests in the world
Explanation: The Sundarban Delta, formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, is primarily known for having the largest mangrove forests in the world and being the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Q45. Which of the following rivers is known as the ‘Lifeline of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh’?
a) The Narmada
b) The Tapi
c) The Mahanadi
d) The Sabarmati
Answer: a) The Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River is often referred to as the ‘Lifeline of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh’ due to its crucial role in providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes in these states.
Q46. Where do the rivers Indus and Ganga originate?
a) The Eastern Ghats
b) The Western Ghats
c) The Himalayas
d) The Tibetan Plateau
Answer: d) The Tibetan Plateau
Explanation: Both the Indus and Ganga rivers originate from the Tibetan Plateau. The Indus near Lake Mansarovar and the Ganga from the Gangotri Glacier.
Q47. Which Peninsular river is famous for its Shivasamudram Falls?
a) The Kaveri
b) The Krishna
c) The Godavari
d) The Tungabhadra
Answer: a) The Kaveri
Explanation: The Kaveri River is known for the Shivasamudram Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in India. The falls are a significant tourist attraction and also a source of hydroelectric power.
Q48. The ‘Namami Gange Programme’ is a government initiative aimed at?
a) Promoting tourism along the Ganga
b) Conserving the Bengal Tiger in the Sundarbans
c) Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River
d) Building dams on the Ganga for hydroelectric power
Answer: c) Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River
Explanation: The ‘Namami Gange Programme’ is a flagship project of the Indian government aimed at cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River. It focuses on reducing pollution and conserving the river’s ecosystem.
Q49. Which of the following rivers is not correctly matched with its originating source?
a) Indus – Near Lake Mansarovar
b) Ganga – Gangotri Glacier
c) Yamuna – Yamunotri Glacier
d) Krishna – Eastern Ghats
Answer: d) Krishna – Eastern Ghats
Explanation: The Krishna River originates near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats, not the Eastern Ghats. The other rivers are correctly matched with their sources.
Q50. The unique feature of the river Brahmaputra in its Tibetan part is?
a) High silt content
b) Large volume of water
c) Less silt and a smaller volume of water
d) Formation of large delta
Answer: c) Less silt and a smaller volume of water
Explanation: In Tibet, the Brahmaputra River, known as the Tsang Po, carries a smaller volume of water and less silt due to the cold and dry conditions of the region.
Q51. Which of the following lakes is a lagoon?
a) Wular Lake
b) Dal Lake
c) Chilika Lake
d) Bhimtal Lake
Answer: c) Chilika Lake
Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha is a lagoon, formed by the action of coastal processes. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the world.
Q52. Which river forms the famous ‘Marble Rocks’ in Jabalpur?
a) The Narmada
b) The Tapi
c) The Kaveri
d) The Sutlej
Answer: a) The Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River, flowing through a gorge near Jabalpur, forms the famous ‘Marble Rocks.’ It is a stunning location where the river has carved a narrow channel through marble rocks.
Q53. The Namami Devi Narmade scheme is focused on the conservation of which river?
a) The Godavari
b) The Narmada
c) The Kaveri
d) The Krishna
Answer: b) The Narmada
Explanation: The Namami Devi Narmade scheme is an initiative for the conservation and rejuvenation of the Narmada River, undertaken by the government of Madhya Pradesh.
Q54. What is the primary cause of the annual flooding in the Brahmaputra Valley?
a) Glacial melting in the Himalayas
b) Heavy monsoon rains
c) Release of water from dams
d) Deforestation in the catchment area
Answer: b) Heavy monsoon rains
Explanation: The primary cause of the annual flooding in the Brahmaputra Valley is heavy monsoon rains. The river swells due to the immense influx of water, leading to widespread flooding.
Q55. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Himalayan rivers?
a) They form estuaries
b) They are mainly seasonal
c) They have a braided channel in their lower course
d) They perform intensive erosional activity in their upper courses
Answer: d) They perform intensive erosional activity in their upper courses
Explanation: A characteristic feature of the Himalayan rivers, such as the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, is that they perform intensive erosional activity in their upper courses due to their steep gradient.
Q56. Which of the following rivers is known for its deltaic formation?
a) The Ganga
b) The Yamuna
c) The Narmada
d) The Tapi
Answer: a) The Ganga
Explanation: The Ganga River is known for its deltaic formation, particularly at its confluence with the Brahmaputra, forming the Sundarban Delta, the largest delta in the world.