Top 25 GK Questions and Answers on Rivers in India
Discover the top 25 GK questions and answers on rivers in India with short explanations. Perfect for competitive exams, quizzes, and general knowledge preparation.
Top 25 GK Questions and Answers on Rivers in India
Rivers are the lifelines of India, shaping its culture, economy, and history. From the sacred Ganga to the mighty Brahmaputra, Indian rivers play a vital role in agriculture, transportation, and daily life. Knowing important facts about these rivers is essential for general knowledge and competitive exams.
1. Which is the longest river in India?
Answer: The Ganga (2,510 km).
Description: It originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and flows across northern India into Bangladesh.
2. Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”?
Answer: Kosi River.
Description: It frequently changes its course and causes devastating floods in Bihar.
3. Which river is called the “Dakshina Ganga”?
Answer: Godavari River.
Description: It is the second-longest river in India and holds great cultural and religious significance in the south.
4. Which is the largest west-flowing river in India?
Answer: Narmada River.
Description: Flowing through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, it empties into the Arabian Sea.
5. Which river forms the Sundarbans Delta?
Answer: Ganga-Brahmaputra.
Description: This delta is the largest in the world and is famous for mangrove forests and Royal Bengal tigers.
6. Which river is called the Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat?
Answer: Narmada River.
Description: Provides water for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power in central India.
7. Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bengal”?
Answer: Damodar River.
Description: Earlier caused frequent floods, but now controlled by dams and reservoirs.
8. On which river is the Hirakud Dam built?
Answer: Mahanadi River.
Description: The Hirakud Dam in Odisha is one of the world’s longest earthen dams.
9. Which river flows through the Grand Canyon of India (Gandikota)?
Answer: Pennar River.
Description: Creates deep gorges in Andhra Pradesh, often called India’s Grand Canyon.
10. Which river is the origin of Indian civilization?
Answer: Indus River.
Description: The Indus Valley Civilization flourished along its banks thousands of years ago.
11. Which is the smallest river in India?
Answer: Arvari River.
Description: A seasonal river in Rajasthan, about 90 km long, revived by local community efforts.
12. Which river flows through only one state in India?
Answer: Burhi Gandak River.
Description: It flows entirely in Bihar before joining the Ganges.
13. Which river is known as “Vridha Ganga” (Old Ganga)?
Answer: Godavari River.
Description: Due to its size and importance, it is often compared to the Ganga.
14. Which river flows through Delhi?
Answer: Yamuna River.
Description: Originating from Yamunotri Glacier, it is a major tributary of the Ganga.
15. Which river is called the “Dakshina Bhagirathi”?
Answer: Cauvery River.
Description: Revered as sacred in southern India, it is crucial for irrigation in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
16. Which is the longest river flowing only in India?
Answer: Godavari River.
Description: Unlike the Ganga and Brahmaputra, it does not cross into another country.
17. Which river is the largest tributary of the Ganga?
Answer: Yamuna River.
Description: It meets the Ganga at Prayagraj, a major pilgrimage site.
18. Which river is also called the Tsangpo in Tibet?
Answer: Brahmaputra River.
Description: It enters India in Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River.
19. Which river is known as the “Handmaid of the Ganga”?
Answer: Yamuna River.
Description: Because of its close cultural and religious ties with the Ganga.
20. Which river forms the Jog Falls in Karnataka?
Answer: Sharavathi River.
Description: Jog Falls is one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India.
21. Which river flows through the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand?
Answer: Pushpawati River.
Description: Adds to the scenic beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
22. Which river is the boundary between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha?
Answer: Vamsadhara River.
Description: It flows through both states and serves as a natural divider.
23. Which river is famous for the Chambal Ravines?
Answer: Chambal River.
Description: Known for its deep ravines and wildlife sanctuary.
24. Which river flows into Chilika Lake?
Answer: Daya River.
Description: It feeds Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon in Odisha.
25. Which river is called the “Sorrow of Assam”?
Answer: Brahmaputra River.
Description: Its floods and erosion affect Assam every year, though it is vital for the state’s agriculture.
Also Read : More GK Questions and Answers
These top 25 GK questions and answers on rivers in India highlight their geographical, cultural, and historical importance. Such knowledge not only helps in exam preparation but also deepens our understanding of how rivers continue to influence India’s development and traditions.
