Q50. Which drainage groups fall into the Bay of Bengal?
1. Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari;
2. Mahanadi, Krishna, Cauvery.
[56th–59th BPSC Prelims (2014)]
(A) Group 1 only
(B) Group 2 only
(C) Neither
(D) Both groups
Answer: (D) Both groups
Explanation: Both sets contain east-flowing rivers feeding the Bay of Bengal. By contrast, major west-flowing peninsular rivers such as the Narmada and Tapi reach the Arabian Sea. Himalayan sediment, seasonal floodwater and heavy rainfall strongly shape the river channels and adjoining plains.
Q49. Which rivers flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
1. Barak;
2. Lohit;
3. Subansiri.
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2014)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Lohit and Subansiri drain the eastern Himalayas through Arunachal Pradesh. The Barak rises in the Manipur hills and subsequently forms part of the Meghna system. Himalayan sediment, seasonal floodwater and heavy rainfall strongly shape the river channels and adjoining plains.
Q48. Which river rises in the Malwa or Amarkantak highlands and follows a western tectonic trough?
[UPPCS Prelims (2014)]
(A) Damodar
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Narmada
(D) Gandak
Answer: (C) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada rises at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows west through the Narmada rift between the Vindhya and Satpura uplands. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q47. Which pattern is commonly formed by rivers of southern India?
[UPPCS Prelims (2014)]
(A) Radial
(B) Intermittent
(C) Dendritic
(D) Trellis
Answer: (C) Dendritic
Explanation: Dendritic drainage resembles the branches of a tree and commonly develops where underlying rocks do not strongly control channel direction. Many peninsular basins exhibit this pattern. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q46. Between which pair of mountain ranges does the Narmada Valley lie?
[MPPSC State Service Prelims (2014)]
(A) Bhander and Maikal
(B) Satpura and Aravalli
(C) Satpura and Vindhyachal
(D) Vindhyachal and Aravalli
Answer: (C) Satpura and Vindhyachal
Explanation: The Narmada follows a long tectonic valley between the Vindhya range to the north and Satpura to the south. This structural setting helps explain its westward course towards the Gulf of Khambhat. Plateau slopes and underlying geological structures are especially important in determining peninsular drainage patterns.
Q45. Why does the Narmada flow west although most large peninsular rivers flow east?
1. It occupies a rift valley;
2. It runs between Vindhya and Satpura;
3. All central Indian land slopes west.
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2013)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) None
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: The structural rift-valley course determines Narmada’s westward direction. A general westward slope of central India is false; the surrounding mountain location alone does not explain the tectonic origin. Plateau slopes and underlying geological structures are especially important in determining peninsular drainage patterns.
Q44. Which listed river does not originate in India?
[UPPCS Prelims (2013)]
(A) Beas
(B) Chenab
(C) Ravi
(D) Sutlej
Answer: (D) Sutlej
Explanation: Sutlej originates in Tibet near Rakshastal. Beas, Chenab headstreams and Ravi arise in the Himalayan region within India. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q43. Which west-flowing river passes between two mountain ranges?
[UPPCS Prelims (2012)]
(A) Sharavati
(B) Narmada
(C) Mahi
(D) Sabarmati
Answer: (B) Narmada
Explanation: Narmada runs between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges in central India, following a major tectonic trough towards the Gulf of Khambhat. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q42. Which river rises in Madhya Pradesh and empties into the Gulf of Khambhat?
[RAS/RTS Prelims (2012)]
(A) Parvati
(B) Luni
(C) Mahi
(D) Jawai
Answer: (C) Mahi
Explanation: Mahi emerges in Madhya Pradesh, passes through Rajasthan and Gujarat and ends in the Gulf of Khambhat. It also crosses the Tropic of Cancer twice. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q41. Which city is not located on the Ganga bank?
[53rd–55th BPSC Prelims (2011)]
(A) Fatehpur
(B) Bhagalpur
(C) Uttarkashi
(D) Kanpur
Answer: (C) Uttarkashi
Explanation: Uttarkashi stands on the Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand, rather than on the river named Ganga after Devprayag. Kanpur and Bhagalpur are major Ganga-bank cities. Rivers shaped settlement, local trade routes and agriculture throughout the adjoining plains and valleys.
