Regarding the drainage evolution of the Peninsular plateau, which of the following events influenced the current orientation of the rivers?
1. Subsidence of the western flank of the plateau during the early Tertiary period.
2. Upheaval of the Himalayas causing the tilting of the Peninsular block from northwest to southeastern direction.
3. Presence of trough faults in the Vindhyas and Satpuras.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 3 only
Explanation: The western flank subsided below the sea, the block tilted SE, and tectonic faulting created the rift valleys for Narmada and Tapti. These three events explain why most rivers flow East and why two major ones flow West.
Which of the following rivers is known as the 'Dakshina Ganga'?
- The Kaveri
- The Mahanadi
- The Krishna
- The Godavari
Explanation: While the Godavari is called 'Vriddh Ganga', the Kaveri is traditionally referred to as 'Dakshina Ganga' (Ganga of the South) due to its spiritual significance and perennial nature.
Which of the following describes the 'Dandakaranya' region's drainage?
- It is primarily drained by the Godavari tributaries like Indravati.
- It is a region of inland drainage.
- It has no major perennial rivers.
- It is primarily drained by the Mahanadi system.
Explanation: The Indravati, a major tributary of the Godavari, is the lifeline of the Dandakaranya region (Bastar, etc.).
The 'Munneru' and 'Paleru' are left-bank tributaries of which river?
- The Kaveri
- The Godavari
- The Krishna
- The Pennar
Explanation: The Munneru, Paleru, and Musi are important left-bank tributaries of the Krishna flowing through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The 'Indravati' river is famous for which waterfall in Chhattisgarh?
- Hogenakkal Falls
- Chitrakote Falls
- Dhudhsagar Falls
- Teerathgarh Falls
Explanation: The Chitrakote Falls on the Indravati river is often called the 'Niagara of India' due to its wide horseshoe shape.
Consider the following statements about the 'Pennar' river:
1. It rises in the Chennakesava hill of the Nandi ranges in Karnataka.
2. It flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
3. The Papagni and Chitravati are its main tributaries.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All statements are correct. The Pennar is a significant East-flowing river between the Krishna and Kaveri basins.
The 'Maikal Range' is the source of which major Peninsular rivers?
1. Narmada
2. Son
3. Mahanadi
4. Tapti
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
- 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The Maikal range (near Amarkantak) is the source of Narmada, Son (Ganga system), and Mahanadi. Tapti originates further West in the Satpuras.
The 'Bhavani' river, a major tributary of the Kaveri, originates in which hills?
- Anamalai Hills
- Cardamom Hills
- Palani Hills
- Nilgiri Hills
Explanation: The Bhavani river is a perennial river that originates in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats.
The 'Vellar' river flows into which water body?
- Palk Strait
- Bay of Bengal
- Arabian Sea
- Gulf of Mannar
Explanation: The Vellar is an East-flowing river in Tamil Nadu that empties into the Bay of Bengal.
Which of the following is a 'Rain-shadow' river of the Peninsular plateau, receiving very little rainfall?
- Netravati
- Pennar
- Moyar
- Bhavani
Explanation: The Pennar basin lies in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats and receives only about 500-700 mm of rain annually.
The 'Krishna' river system is the second largest East-flowing Peninsular river. Which of the following are its tributaries?
1. Tungabhadra
2. Koyna
3. Ghataprabha
4. Musi
5. Bhima
- 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
- 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
- 1, 3 and 5 only
Explanation: All listed rivers are tributaries of the Krishna. The Tungabhadra and Bhima are the most significant in terms of catchment and flow.
The 'Kabbini', 'Arkavathy', and 'Suvarnavathy' are tributaries of:
- The Palar
- The Kaveri
- The Krishna
- The Pennar
Explanation: These are important tributaries of the Kaveri river system in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Which of the following Peninsular rivers has the smallest drainage basin among the options provided?
- The Mahi
- The Tapi
- The Pennar
- The Kaveri
Explanation: Among the major Peninsular rivers, the Mahi has a smaller basin (approx 34,000 sq km) compared to the Pennar (55,000), Tapi (65,000), or Kaveri (81,000).
Regarding the 'Mahanadi' river system, which of the following statements is correct?
- Its basin is the most heavily used for irrigation in Peninsular India.
- It originates in the Maikal range of Madhya Pradesh.
- It forms the largest estuary on the East coast.
- The Seonath, Hasdeo, and Tel are its major tributaries.
Explanation: Mahanadi originates in Sihawa (Chhattisgarh). Its tributaries include Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Ong, and Tel. It forms a delta, not an estuary.
The 'Mahi' river is unique because:
- It has the largest delta among West-flowing rivers.
- It is the only West-flowing river in the Vindhyas.
- It crosses the Tropic of Cancer twice.
- It originates in the Aravallis and ends in the Gulf of Kutch.
Explanation: The Mahi river, originating in Madhya Pradesh and flowing into the Gulf of Khambhat, is famous for crossing the Tropic of Cancer twice.
The 'Sabarmati' river originates in which range?
- Western Ghats
- Aravallis
- Vindhyas
- Satpuras
Explanation: The Sabarmati originates in the Aravalli hills in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan.
Which of the following rivers does NOT flow into the Bay of Bengal?
- Vaigai
- Brahmani
- Pennar
- Periyar
Explanation: Periyar is the longest river in Kerala and flows westward into the Arabian Sea. Pennar, Vaigai, and Brahmani all flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
Regarding the 'Tapti' river, in which of the following gulfs does it empty?
- Gulf of Mannar
- Gulf of Khambhat
- Gulf of Aden
- Gulf of Kachchh
Explanation: Like the Narmada and Mahi, the Tapti river empties into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea.
The 'Sankosh' river is a tributary of the Brahmaputra, but it shares its name with a stream in the Peninsular system. However, looking at the major system, which of these is the 'Twin' of the Tapti?
- The Girna
- The Narmada
- The Purna
- The Mahi
Explanation: The Purna is the main tributary of the Tapti and is often called its twin because it flows parallel to it before joining.
Why do West-flowing Peninsular rivers like Narmada and Tapti NOT form deltas?
- They flow through steep gradients and rift valleys, preventing silt deposition at the mouth.
- They have a very short course to the sea.
- They carry very little sediment due to their flow through hard rock terrains.
- All of the above.
Explanation: West-flowing rivers lack the vast sediment load of the East-flowing ones, their path is through hard rock, and their higher velocity in rift valleys leads to the formation of estuaries rather than deltas.
Which of the following characteristics distinguish Peninsular rivers from Himalayan rivers?
1. A fixed course with a lack of meanders.
2. Absence of antecedent and superimposed drainage patterns.
3. A mature stage of fluvial evolution with broad and shallow valleys.
4. Relatively smaller catchment areas.
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because Peninsular rivers do exhibit superimposed and rejuvenated drainage in some areas. However, they are known for fixed courses (due to hard rock), maturity, and smaller basins compared to the Ganga-Brahmaputra system.
The 'Netravati' river, which flows into the Arabian Sea, is the lifeline of which coastal city?
- Panaji
- Mangaluru
- Kochi
- Karwar
Explanation: The Netravati river originates in the Western Ghats and flows through the Dakshina Kannada district, meeting the sea near Mangaluru.
Regarding the 'Godavari' basin, which of the following states covers the largest percentage of its catchment area?
- Andhra Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Telangana
- Maharashtra
Explanation: About 49 percent of the Godavari basin lies in Maharashtra, followed by around 20 percent in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh combined.
Which of the following is a West-flowing river of the Sahyadris (Western Ghats)?
- Vaitarna
- Sharavati
- Kalindi
- All of the above
Explanation: Vaitarna (Maharashtra), Kalindi (Karnataka), and Sharavati (Karnataka) are all short, swift, West-flowing rivers originating in the Western Ghats.
The 'Hogenakkal' falls is located on which river?
- Palar
- Pennar
- Kaveri
- Krishna
Explanation: The Hogenakkal Falls is a famous waterfall on the Kaveri river in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.
Which of the following is a right-bank tributary of the Krishna river?
Explanation: Koyna, Panchganga, and Dudhganga are right-bank tributaries. Bhima, Musi, and Munneru are left-bank tributaries.
The 'Sileru' and 'Sabari' are tributaries of which river?
- The Godavari
- The Krishna
- The Mahanadi
- The Brahmani
Explanation: The Sabari is a major tributary of the Godavari, and the Sileru is its own significant sub-tributary.
The 'Vaigai' river, famous for the city of Madurai, originates in which hills?
- Cardamom Hills
- Nilgiri Hills
- Anaimalai Hills
- Varusanadu Hills
Explanation: The Vaigai river originates in the Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
The 'Kallanai Dam' (Grand Anicut), one of the oldest water-regulation structures in the world, is built on which river?
- The Vaigai
- The Krishna
- The Godavari
- The Kaveri
Explanation: Built by King Karikala Chola in the 2nd century AD, the Kallanai is located on the Kaveri river in Tamil Nadu.
The 'Palghat Gap' serves as a passage for which West-flowing river system?
- Chaliyar
- Pamba
- Bharathappuzha
- Periyar
Explanation: The Bharathappuzha (Nila), the second-longest river in Kerala, flows through the Palghat gap in the Western Ghats.
Which of the following rivers is known as the 'Sorrow of Odisha'?
- Mahanadi
- Baitarani
- Brahmani
- Rushikulya
Explanation: Due to its devastating floods in the deltaic region, the Mahanadi was historically called the 'Sorrow of Odisha'.
Consider the following statements about the 'Mahanadi' delta:
1. It is located in the state of Odisha.
2. It is a 'Lobate' type delta.
3. Chilika Lake lies to the south of the Mahanadi delta.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The Mahanadi forms a massive lobate delta in Odisha, and the famous Chilika Lake (Asia's largest brackish water lagoon) is situated at the southern edge of this deltaic plain.
The 'Manjira' river is a right-bank tributary of the Godavari. It is significant because:
- It flows through a rift valley.
- It is the only major tributary flowing from the south.
- It provides drinking water to the city of Hyderabad.
- It is the longest tributary of the Godavari.
Explanation: While most major Godavari tributaries (Indravati, Pranhita) join from the north, the Manjira is the most important right-bank (southern) tributary.
The 'Kaveri' river is often a subject of inter-state disputes. Regarding its basin, consider the following:
1. It rises in the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats.
2. Unlike other Peninsular rivers, it has a reduced seasonal fluctuation in water level.
3. Its upper catchment receives rainfall from the North-East monsoon, and the lower catchment from the South-West monsoon.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
Explanation: Statement 3 is reversed: the upper catchment (Karnataka) gets water from the SW monsoon, and the lower catchment (TN) from the NE monsoon. This dual supply makes it relatively perennial (Statement 2).
The 'Dhudhsagar' falls is located on which river?
- Mandovi
- Sharavati
- Netravati
- Zuari
Explanation: The famous Dhudhsagar Falls is located on the Mandovi river in Goa.
Which of the following statements about the 'Tapti' river is INCORRECT?
- Nearly 75% of its basin lies in Maharashtra.
- It flows parallel to the Narmada to its south.
- It originates in the Amarkantak plateau.
- It is the second-largest West-flowing river in India.
Explanation: The Tapti originates in the Multai reserved forest in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh (Satpura range), not Amarkantak.
The 'Stanley Reservoir' is formed by which dam on the Kaveri river?
- Mettur Dam
- Krishna Raja Sagara
- Kallanai Dam
- Kabini Dam
Explanation: The Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu creates the Stanley Reservoir, one of the largest in Southern India.
The 'Palar' river flows through which of the following states?
1. Karnataka
2. Andhra Pradesh
3. Tamil Nadu
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
Explanation: The Palar river originates in Karnataka, flows through a small portion of Andhra Pradesh, and covers a major distance in Tamil Nadu before entering the Bay of Bengal.
The 'Luni' river, which disappears in the Rann of Kachchh, is characterized as:
- An ephemeral river with inland drainage
- An antecedent river
- A perennial desert river
- A tributary of the Sabarmati
Explanation: Luni is the largest river in the Thar desert. It is ephemeral (seasonal) and ends in the marshes of the Rann of Kachchh without reaching the sea.
The 'Pranhita' river, a major tributary of the Godavari, is formed by the confluence of which rivers?
- Manjra and Sabari
- Indravati and Penganga
- Wardha, Wainganga, and Penganga
- Wardha and Musi
Explanation: The Pranhita is the largest tributary of Godavari, formed by the combined waters of the Wardha, Wainganga, and Penganga rivers.
The 'Narmada' river flows through a rift valley between which two mountain ranges?
- Mahadeo Hills and Maikal Range
- Vindhyas and Aravallis
- Vindhyas and Satpuras
- Satpuras and Ajanta Range
Explanation: The Narmada occupies a structural rift valley (graben) bounded by the Vindhyas to the North and the Satpuras to the South.
Which of the following describes the 'Superimposed Drainage' often seen in the Peninsular plateau?
- Rivers that follow the slope of the land.
- Rivers that have maintained their course despite the uplift of land.
- Rivers that flow in a direction opposite to the geological tilt.
- Rivers that have cut through younger strata to expose an older underlying structure.
Explanation: Superimposed drainage occurs when a river's course is established on a younger cover of rocks but then cuts down into the older, harder rocks below while maintaining its pattern.
Which Peninsular river system is known for its 'Radial Drainage' pattern around the Amarkantak plateau?
- The Kaveri and Pennar
- The Narmada, Son, and Mahanadi
- The Godavari and Krishna
- The Tapti and Mahi
Explanation: The Amarkantak plateau acts as a central dome from which the Narmada (west), Son (north), and Mahanadi (east) flow in different directions.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Godavari' river:
1. It is the largest Peninsular river system, earning the name 'Vriddh Ganga'.
2. Its drainage basin is shared by Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
3. The Penganga, Indravati, Pranhita, and Manjira are its important tributaries.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Godavari is the 'Old Ganga' (Vriddh) due to its age and size. Its basin is extensive, covering about 10% of India's area across the mentioned states.
Which Peninsular river has the highest 'specific discharge' (discharge per unit area of the basin)?
- Godavari
- Krishna
- Narmada
- Mahanadi
Explanation: While Godavari is larger, Narmada's confined rift valley flow leads to a very high specific discharge compared to the broad, spreading basins of the East-flowing rivers.
The 'Shivanasamudra' and 'Seringapatam' are river islands formed by:
- Kaveri
- Tungabhadra
- Krishna
- Godavari
Explanation: The Kaveri river bifurcates at various points to form the islands of Seringapatam, Shivanasamudra, and Srirangam.
Which of the following is the correct sequence of Peninsular rivers from North to South?
- Mahanadi - Godavari - Krishna - Pennar - Kaveri
- Godavari - Mahanadi - Krishna - Kaveri - Pennar
- Godavari - Krishna - Mahanadi - Pennar - Kaveri
- Mahanadi - Krishna - Godavari - Pennar - Kaveri
Explanation: The geographical sequence from North to South along the East coast is Mahanadi (Odisha), Godavari, Krishna, Pennar (Andhra), and Kaveri (Tamil Nadu).
Consider the following pairs of rivers and their origins:
1. Mahanadi: Sihawa Highlands
2. Tapti: Multai
3. Krishna: Mahabaleshwar
4. Godavari: Trimbakeshwar
Which of the above are correctly matched?
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 3 and 4 only
Explanation: All origins are correct: Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh), Tapti (Betul, MP), Krishna (Maharashtra), and Godavari (Nashik, Maharashtra).
The 'Mula-Mutha' river, passing through Pune, is part of which larger river basin?
- The Krishna
- The Godavari
- The Narmada
- The Tapti
Explanation: The Mula and Mutha rivers join and eventually flow into the Bhima river, which is a major tributary of the Krishna.
Which of the following West-flowing rivers originates in the 'Aravalli' range and flows into the Gulf of Khambhat?
- The Banas
- The Mahi
- The Sabarmati
- The Luni
Explanation: The Sabarmati originates in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan and flows through Gujarat into the Gulf of Khambhat. The Mahi originates in the Vindhyas.
The 'Brahmani' river is formed by the confluence of which two rivers?
- South Koel and Sankh
- Subarnarekha and Baitarani
- Mahanadi and Ib
- North Koel and Damodar
Explanation: The Brahmani is formed at Rourkela by the confluence of the South Koel and the Sankh rivers.
The 'Jog Falls', one of the highest waterfalls in India, is created by which river?
- Kalindi
- Netravati
- Sita
- Sharavati
Explanation: The Sharavati river in Karnataka drops from a height of 253 meters to create the famous Jog Falls (also known as Gersoppa Falls).
The 'Subarnarekha' river is known for its pollution due to its flow through which industrial region?
- Hooghly region
- Mumbai-Pune region
- Chota Nagpur Plateau
- Ahmedabad-Vadodara region
Explanation: The Subarnarekha flows through the mineral-rich Chota Nagpur plateau (Jamshedpur), leading to significant industrial pollution.
The 'Pamba' river, famous for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, flows in which state?
- Kerala
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The Pamba is the third longest river in Kerala and is spiritually significant due to its association with the Sabarimala temple.
Which river is associated with the 'Marble Rocks' near Jabalpur?
- The Son
- The Betwa
- The Tapti
- The Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada flows through a spectacular 3-kilometer long gorge of white marble near Bhedaghat in Jabalpur.
The 'Omkareshwar' and 'Maheshwar' are holy cities situated on the banks of which river?
- The Narmada
- The Chambal
- The Shipra
- The Tapti
Explanation: The Narmada river is considered one of the holiest in India, with major pilgrimage sites at Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Amarkantak.
Which of the following rivers is an example of an 'Antecedent River' in the Peninsular region (though rare)?
- The Indravati
- The Narmada
- The Subarnarekha
- None of the above
Explanation: Antecedent drainage is mostly a feature of Himalayan rivers. Peninsular rivers are typically consequent or superimposed.
The 'Tungabhadra' river is a major tributary of the Krishna. It is formed by the union of which two streams?
- Tunga and Malaprabha
- Krishna and Bhima
- Bhadra and Ghataprabha
- Tunga and Bhadra
Explanation: The Tunga and Bhadra rivers rise in the Western Ghats (Gangamoola) and join at Koodli to form the Tungabhadra.
The 'Dhar' and 'Chos' are seasonal streams associated with the foot of the Himalayas, but which equivalent feature is found in the Peninsular plateau's arid regions?
- Streams of the Western Ghats
- Vankals
- Nallas
- None of the above
Explanation: In many parts of the Deccan and Rajasthan, small ephemeral streams that flow only during the monsoon are locally termed as Vankals or Nallas.
Regarding the 'Sharavati' river, in which state does it entirely flow?
- Maharashtra
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Goa
Explanation: The Sharavati river originates in the Shimoga district of Karnataka and flows entirely within the state until it reaches the Arabian Sea.