Question 1

The Yamuna River is a tributary of which major Indian river?

Accepted Answer

The Yamuna River is the largest tributary of the Ganges River. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas and joins the Ganges at Allahabad (Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh, after flowing for approximately 1,376 km.

Question 2

Which of the following rivers originates from the Himalayas and flows into the Arabian Sea?

Accepted Answer

The Indus River originates from the Kailash Range in the Himalayas (in Tibet) and flows through Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea. Its total length is approximately 3,180 km, making it one of the longest rivers in Asia.

Question 3

Which lake is the largest freshwater lake in India by surface area?

Accepted Answer

Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is the largest freshwater lake in India with a surface area of approximately 189 sq km. It is located in the Kashmir Valley and is an important wetland ecosystem.

Question 4

Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lake in India, is located in which state?

Accepted Answer

Chilika Lake is located in Odisha (formerly Orissa) on the eastern coast of India. It covers an area of approximately 1,165 sq km and is a Ramsar Wetland site. The lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandbar and is known for its rich biodiversity, including migratory birds.

Question 5

The Sutlej River, a major tributary of the Indus River, originates from which mountain range and passes through which Indian state before entering Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

The Sutlej River originates from the Tibetan Plateau (near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet) and flows through Himachal Pradesh before entering Punjab and then Pakistan. It is the easternmost tributary of the Indus River system.

Question 6

The Indus River, one of the world's major rivers, originates from which region?

Accepted Answer

The Indus River originates from the Kailash Range in the Tibetan Plateau, specifically from the Indus Springs (Singi Khad) near Mount Kailash at an elevation of approximately 5,180 meters. It flows through Ladakh and eventually enters Pakistan.

Question 7

The Narmada River, also known as the 'Marble Rocks River,' originates from which mountain range?

Accepted Answer

The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in the Maikal Range of the Satpura Mountains in Madhya Pradesh. It flows westward for approximately 1,312 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea.

Question 8

Lake Sambhar, one of India's largest salt lakes, is located in which state?

Accepted Answer

Sambhar Lake is located in Rajasthan, approximately 64 km southwest of Jaipur. It is India's largest inland salt lake and is an important source of salt production.

Question 9

The Godavari River, India's second-longest river, has several major tributaries. Which of the following is NOT a direct tributary of the Godavari?

Accepted Answer

The Godavari River (approximately 1,465 km) has major tributaries including the Indravati, Manjira, Wardha, Wainganga, and Pranhita. The Tungabhadra is a tributary of the Krishna River, not the Godavari. This question tests detailed knowledge of river tributary systems.

Question 10

Loktak Lake in Manipur is famous for its floating ecosystem and the endangered Sangai deer. Which of the following is a CORRECT statement about Loktak Lake?

Accepted Answer

Loktak Lake is India's largest freshwater lake in the Northeast, located in Manipur. It is famous for its floating islands (phumdis) made of vegetation, soil, and organic matter. The lake is a Ramsar Wetland site and is home to the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer (Sangai). It covers approximately 287 sq km. This tests knowledge of specific lake characteristics and biodiversity.

Question 11

The Brahmaputra River, one of Asia's major rivers, originates in the Chemayungdung glacier. Through which of the following countries does it flow before entering India?

Accepted Answer

The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet (China) in the Chemayungdung glacier in the Kailash Range, flows through Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, enters Arunachal Pradesh in India, and eventually merges with the Ganges in Bangladesh. The question tests knowledge of the river's transnational course.

Question 12

The Narmada River, also known as the 'Marble Rocks River,' flows through a rift valley and forms the traditional boundary between North and South India. Which of the following statements about the Narmada is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The Narmada is India's fifth-longest river at approximately 1,312 km. It originates in Madhya Pradesh (Amarkantak plateau), flows westward through a rift valley (not a delta), and empties into the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. It does NOT form a delta but an estuary. The question tests detailed knowledge of river characteristics.

Question 13

The Brahmaputra River, one of Asia's largest rivers, originates in the Chemayungdung glacier in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through multiple states before joining the Ganges. Which of the following statements about the Brahmaputra is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet (Chemayungdung glacier), flows through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya in India, and has a total length of approximately 2,900 km. It is the second-longest river in India after the Ganges. The river is known for its massive discharge and seasonal flooding. It joins the Ganges in Bangladesh to form the world's largest delta (Sundarbans). A common misconception is confusing its tributaries or its exact course through northeastern states.

Question 14

The Sutlej River, a tributary of the Indus, originates in Tibet and flows through multiple Indian states. Which state does the Sutlej NOT flow through before joining the Indus?

Accepted Answer

The Sutlej River originates in Tibet (Mount Kailash region), enters India in Himachal Pradesh, flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and then enters Pakistan to join the Indus. It does NOT flow through Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, or Uttarakhand as a main course. This tests knowledge of specific river courses through states.

SSC MTS Indian Rivers & Lakes

Indian Rivers & Lakes— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Indian Rivers & Lakes — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Indian Rivers & Lakes