Indian River Systems & Drainage Patterns Quiz — 7 Free Questions

Question 1

Where does the Bhagirathi river, traditionally regarded as the primary headwater source stream of the Ganga, originate, emerging from an ice cave traditionally known by a name meaning 'cow's mouth'?

Question 2

What is the name of the vast delta region, formed at the point where the combined Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system finally meets the Bay of Bengal, shared between India and Bangladesh and home to the world's largest single mangrove forest?

Question 3

Which bilateral water-sharing agreement, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the World Bank as broker, allocated the 'eastern rivers' Ravi, Beas and Sutlej to India, and the 'western rivers' Indus, Jhelum and Chenab mainly to Pakistan?

Question 4

What combination of factors is generally cited as the main explanation for the Brahmaputra's tendency to cause severe and recurring annual flooding across much of the Assam valley during the summer monsoon season?

Question 5

What is the name of the dramatic gorge cut by the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet as it curves sharply around the peak of Namcha Barwa, a gorge sometimes claimed, based on certain measurements, to be the deepest canyon found anywhere on Earth?

Question 6

Which major tributary of the Ganga is sometimes referred to, on account of its long history of severe and unpredictable flooding along with a tendency to periodically shift its own main channel across the surrounding plains, as the 'Sorrow of Bihar'?

Question 7

Which major dam, built on the Krishna river and one of the largest masonry dams found anywhere in the world, provides extensive irrigation and hydroelectric power benefits to the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?

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About Indian River Systems & Drainage Patterns

This quiz is meant for students preparing for the IAS examination and other competitive tests, and for anyone who wants a wide-ranging survey of India's river systems and drainage patterns. It begins with the basic classification of drainage patterns -- dendritic, trellis, radial, centripetal, rectangular and annular -- and the fundamental distinction between perennial Himalayan rivers and seasonal peninsular rivers, along with concepts such as antecedent and consequent drainage, drainage basins and water divides. It then covers the Indus river system -- its origin near Lake Mansarovar, its tributaries the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, and the Indus Waters Treaty. A third section covers the Ganga river system -- its source streams the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda, major tributaries such as the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Son and Chambal, and the Namami Gange programme. A fourth section covers the Brahmaputra and other Himalayan rivers -- its origin as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, its many names, Majuli island, and tributaries such as the Teesta, Subansiri and Manas. It closes with the peninsular rivers -- the Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and Mahanadi, their origins, tributaries, major dams and waterfalls such as Jog Falls. When complete it will have one hundred and fifteen carefully checked questions, arranged in five packs of twenty-three.

Every question has four options, and the correct option can be in any position. After each question there is a detailed explanation of more than five lines, in simple Indian English that a school student can follow, giving the important names, terms and the points that examiners like to test.

Every fact has been checked against standard reference material on the physical geography and river systems of India.