UPSC Prelims 2007 Q82: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources
Which one among the following rivers originates at Amarkantak?
- (a) Damodar
- (b) Mahanadi
- (c) Narmada
- (d) Tapi
Answer: (c) Narmada
Explanation
Rivers rising at Amarkantak
| River | Source | Direction | Falls into |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narmada | Amarkantak (Maikal Hills, MP) | West (rift valley) | Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat) |
| Son | Amarkantak area | North-east | Ganga (near Patna) |
| Johila | Amarkantak area | North | Son |
Other options:
| River | Source |
|---|---|
| Mahanadi | Sihawa, Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh) |
| Tapi | Multai, Betul (MP) |
| Damodar | Chota Nagpur Plateau (Palamu, Jharkhand) |
Answer: (c) Narmada.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Damodar rises in the Chota Nagpur Plateau (Jharkhand).
- (b) Incorrect. Mahanadi rises at Sihawa (Chhattisgarh).
- (c) CORRECT. Narmada rises at Amarkantak in the Maikal Hills, MP.
- (d) Incorrect. Tapi rises at Multai in Betul district, MP.
Key point
Amarkantak (Maikal Hills, MP) = source of Narmada, Son and Johila.
Remember
Narmada rises at Amarkantak.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Mahanadi because it rises in a nearby region (Chhattisgarh).
- Mixing up the sources of Narmada (Amarkantak) and Tapi (Multai).
- Forgetting that the Son — a Ganga tributary — also rises near Amarkantak.
Exam tip
Amarkantak sends rivers in two directions: Narmada goes west to the sea; Son goes north-east to the Ganga.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — India Physical Environment, Ch 3 (Drainage System)
- NCERT Class IX — Contemporary India I, Ch 3