UPSC Prelims 2006 Q70: Geography – World Physical Geography
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
- (a) Mahanadi River rises in Chhattisgarh
- (b) Godavari River rises in Maharashtra
- (c) Cauvery River rises in Andhra Pradesh
- (d) Tapti River rises in Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (c) Cauvery River rises in Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
Origins of Indian rivers
| River | Source (as in the statement) | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| Mahanadi | Chhattisgarh (Sihawa, Dhamtari) | Yes |
| Godavari | Maharashtra (Trimbakeshwar, Nashik) | Yes |
| Cauvery | Statement says Andhra Pradesh, but it rises at Talakaveri in Kodagu, Karnataka | No |
| Tapti | Madhya Pradesh (Multai, Betul district) | Yes |
The statement that the Cauvery rises in Andhra Pradesh is incorrect.
Answer: (c) Cauvery River rises in Andhra Pradesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Mahanadi does rise in Chhattisgarh, so this statement is correct.
- (b) Incorrect. The Godavari rises at Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, so this statement is correct.
- (c) CORRECT. The Cauvery rises in Karnataka (Talakaveri), not Andhra Pradesh.
- (d) Incorrect. The Tapti rises in Madhya Pradesh, so this statement is correct.
Key point
The Cauvery rises at Talakaveri in Karnataka, not in Andhra Pradesh, so that statement is the incorrect one.
Remember
Cauvery rises in Karnataka.
Common mistakes
- Linking all Peninsular rivers with Andhra Pradesh.
- Forgetting the Godavari rises in Maharashtra.
- Not recalling Multai as the source of the Tapti.
Exam tip
Cauvery: Talakaveri (Karnataka); Godavari: Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra); Tapti: Multai (MP); Mahanadi: Sihawa (Chhattisgarh).
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment — Drainage System
- Central Water Commission and National Remote Sensing Centre — India-WRIS: River Basin Atlas (Cauvery, Godavari, Mahanadi and Tapi basins)