Geography · General Awareness

Indian Rivers and Waterways

2,563 Questions

This topic covers major Indian rivers, their basins, hydroelectric projects, and historical water management systems. Questions on river geography are essential for SSC, banking, railways, UPSC, and state exams. Solving these questions builds mapping and factual accuracy for test takers.

River hydroelectric projectsMajor river basinsAncient water managementInterlinking of riversMythological Indian rivers

Indian Rivers and Waterways Questions

Multiple choice

On the bank of which river is Srinagar situated?

  1. Indus

  2. Jhelum

  3. Tawi

  4. Wooler lake
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is situated on the banks of the Jhelum River. The river flows through the city and is a defining feature of the Kashmir Valley.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an inland drainage area?

  1. Chilka region

  2. Sambhar area

  3. Rann of Kutch

  4. Manasarovar lake
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Rann of Kutch is a classic example of an inland drainage area where rivers disappear into the desert sands rather than reaching the sea. The other options are either coastal or involve distinct lake systems.

Multiple choice

Which is the highest waterfall in India?

  1. Kunchikal Falls

  2. Barehipani Falls

  3. Nohkalikai Falls

  4. Langshiang Falls
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka is widely recognized as the highest waterfall in India.

Multiple choice

Which one among the following is the correct sequence of basins of major rivers of India beginning from south to north?

  1. Tapi (Tapti)
  2. Godavari
  3. Ganga
  4. Kaveri

Select the answer using the correct code given below.

  1. 2 – 1 – 4 – 3

  2. 4 – 1 – 2 – 3

  3. 2 – 4 – 1 – 3

  4. 4 – 2 – 1 – 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The geographical order of these river basins from south to north is: Kaveri (in the south), Godavari, Tapi, and Ganga (in the north). This corresponds to the sequence 4-2-1-3.

Multiple choice

Which of the following does not belong to a category of wetlands in India?

  1. The reservoirs of the Deccan Plateau.

  2. The saline expanses of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the Gulf of Kachchh.

  3. The freshwater marshes of the Gangetic Plain.

  4. The lakes and rivers of the mountain region of Kashmir and Ladakh.

  5. The river basins of the higher hill ranges of north-eastern India, hilly areas of West Bengal and Uttaranchal.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

This is incorrect as these are not classified as wetlands of India. Thus, this is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

The river Manzira is a tributary to:

  1. Godavari

  2. Kaveri

  3. Penna

  4. Krishna
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Manjira River is a tributary of the Godavari River, flowing through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.

Multiple choice

Which river of India is called Vridha Ganga?

  1. Krishna

  2. Godavari

  3. Kaveri

  4. Narmada
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Godavari River is often referred to as Vridha Ganga (Old Ganga) or Dakshina Ganga due to its length and the area it covers in peninsular India. It is the second longest river in India after the Ganga.

Multiple choice

The river known as Tsangpo in Tibet is

  1. Ganga

  2. Brahmaputra

  3. Indus

  4. Teesta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. It flows through Tibet before entering India.

Multiple choice

Rivers Narmada and Tapti fall into the

  1. Bay of Bengal

  2. Andaman Sea

  3. Hindu Sea

  4. Arabian Sea
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

 Narmada is one of only three major rivers in peninsular India that run from east to west (longest west flowing river), along with the Tapti River and the Mahi River. The West flowing rivers are the Narmada and Tapti. They flow through the rift valley and drain into the Arabian Sea.

Multiple choice

What is Mapam Lake also called as?

  1. Barapani

  2. Manasarovar

  3. Tista

  4. Chilka
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Lake Manasarovar, located near Mount Kailash, is also known as Mapam Yumco or Mapam Lake.

Multiple choice

The upper course of Damodar River occupies

  1. rift valley

  2. synclinal valley

  3. eroped valley

  4. depositional valley
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The upper course of the Damodar River flows through a trough-like fault depression, which is characterized as a rift valley, formed by down-faulting of the Earth's crust.

Multiple choice

Ganga is navigable between

  1. Haridwar and Kanpur

  2. Allahabad and Varanasi

  3. Patna and Calcutta

  4. Allahabad and Haldia
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Correct Answer: Allahabad and Haldia