UPSC Prelims 2009 Q41: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources
Which one of the following rivers does not originate in India ?
- (a) Beas
- (b) Chenab
- (c) Ravi
- (d) Sutlej
Answer: (d) Sutlej
Explanation
Which river does NOT originate in India
Among these tributaries of the Indus system, one has its source outside India.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Beas | Originates in India | Rises in the Himachal Pradesh Himalayas |
| (b) Chenab | Originates in India | Rises in the Himachal Pradesh Himalayas |
| (c) Ravi | Originates in India | Also rises in the Himachal Pradesh Himalayas |
| (d) Sutlej | Does NOT originate in India | The Sutlej originates near Lake Rakshastal in Tibet, entering India later — unlike the other three rivers |
River origin facts:
| River | Origin |
|---|---|
| Beas, Chenab, Ravi | Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Sutlej | Tibet (outside India) |
Answer: (d) Sutlej.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Beas does originate within India.
- (b) Incorrect. Chenab also originates within India.
- (c) Incorrect. Ravi also originates within India.
- (d) CORRECT. The Sutlej originates in Tibet, outside India, unlike the other three rivers.
Key point
Among Beas, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej, the SUTLEJ is the one that does NOT originate in India — it rises near Lake Rakshastal in Tibet.
Remember
The Sutlej does NOT originate in India — it rises in Tibet, unlike Beas, Chenab, and Ravi.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all major Punjab-region rivers originate within Indian territory.
- Not knowing the Sutlej's specific Tibetan source near Lake Rakshastal.
- Confusing the Sutlej with rivers that do originate in Himachal Pradesh.
Exam tip
Sutlej = originates in Tibet (near Lake Rakshastal), unlike Beas, Chenab, and Ravi, which all rise within Himachal Pradesh.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment — Drainage System
- Central Water Commission and National Remote Sensing Centre — India-WRIS: River Basin Atlas (Indus basin: Beas, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej)