UPSC Prelims 2008 Q51: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources
Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
Waterfalls - River
1. Kapildhara Falls : Godavari
2. Jog Falls : Sharavati
3. Sivasamudram Falls : Cauvery
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Checking three waterfall-river pairs
These well-known Indian waterfalls are matched here to the rivers they form on, with one pairing mismatched.
| Pair | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Kapildhara Falls : Godavari | Incorrect | Kapildhara Falls is actually on the Narmada river, not the Godavari |
| 2. Jog Falls : Sharavati | Correct | Jog Falls, one of India's most famous waterfalls, is indeed on the Sharavati river |
| 3. Sivasamudram Falls : Cauvery | Correct | Sivasamudram Falls is indeed on the Cauvery river |
Correct waterfall-river pairs:
| Waterfall | Actual river |
|---|---|
| Kapildhara Falls | Narmada (NOT Godavari) |
| Jog Falls | Sharavati |
| Sivasamudram Falls | Cauvery |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Pair 1 (Kapildhara-Godavari) is wrongly matched; Kapildhara is on the Narmada, so '1 and 2 only' is wrong.
- (b) CORRECT. Jog Falls-Sharavati and Sivasamudram-Cauvery are both correctly matched; Kapildhara is wrongly paired with the Godavari.
- (c) Incorrect. Pair 2 (Jog Falls-Sharavati) is also correct, so '1 and 3 only' wrongly excludes it while including the wrong pair 1.
- (d) Incorrect. Pair 1's Godavari attribution for Kapildhara is wrong, so 'all three' cannot be correct.
Key point
Jog Falls-Sharavati and Sivasamudram Falls-Cauvery are correctly matched — but Kapildhara Falls is actually on the Narmada river, not the Godavari.
Remember
Jog Falls-Sharavati and Sivasamudram Falls-Cauvery are correct; Kapildhara Falls is actually on the Narmada, not the Godavari.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Kapildhara Falls' actual Narmada location with the unrelated Godavari river.
- Not knowing Jog Falls' specific Sharavati river association.
- Assuming all three listed waterfall-river pairs are automatically correct without individual verification.
Exam tip
Kapildhara Falls = Narmada (not Godavari). Jog Falls = Sharavati. Sivasamudram Falls = Cauvery. Two of these three pairs are correctly matched.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Jog Falls
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Shivanasamudra Falls