UPSC Prelims 2021 Q55: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 4
- (c) 3 and 4
- (d) 1 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 4
Explanation
Rivers Rising from Eastern Ghats
| River | Origin | Rises from Eastern Ghats? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brahmani | Confluence of Sankh and South Koel at Rourkela, Chhota Nagpur Plateau | NO - originates in Chhota Nagpur Plateau |
| 2. Nagavali | Bijapur hills of Kalahandi, Odisha (Eastern Ghats) | YES |
| 3. Subarnarekha | Ranchi Plateau (Chhota Nagpur) | NO - Chhota Nagpur Plateau |
| 4. Vamsadhara | Kalahandi hills of Odisha (Eastern Ghats) | YES |
Nagavali (2) and Vamsadhara (4) rise from the Eastern Ghats. Answer: (b).
Both Nagavali and Vamsadhara are relatively short rivers flowing east through Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Brahmani and Subarnarekha originate in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau (not Eastern Ghats).
Answer: (b) 2 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Brahmani rises in Chhota Nagpur Plateau, not Eastern Ghats.
- (b) CORRECT. Nagavali and Vamsadhara both originate in the Eastern Ghats (Kalahandi region of Odisha). Brahmani and Subarnarekha originate in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.
- (c) Incorrect. Subarnarekha rises in Chhota Nagpur Plateau, not Eastern Ghats.
- (d) Incorrect. Both Brahmani and Subarnarekha are Chhota Nagpur Plateau rivers.
Key point
Eastern Ghats rivers: Nagavali + Vamsadhara + Rushikulya (all short, Kalahandi hills origin). Brahmani + Subarnarekha originate in Chhota Nagpur Plateau (not Eastern Ghats). Answer: 2 and 4.
Remember
Among the given rivers, Nagavali (2) and Vamsadhara (4) rise from the Eastern Ghats (Kalahandi hills, Odisha). Brahmani (1) and Subarnarekha (3) rise from the Chhota Nagpur Plateau. Correct answer: (b) 2 and 4.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any east-flowing peninsular river rises from Eastern Ghats. Major peninsular rivers (Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery) rise from Western Ghats or Central Highlands.
- Confusing Nagavali/Vamsadhara (Eastern Ghats) with Brahmani/Subarnarekha (Chhota Nagpur Plateau).
- Not knowing Rushikulya (also Eastern Ghats origin) is famous for Olive Ridley turtle nesting in Odisha.
Exam tip
East-flowing rivers by origin: Western Ghats (Mahanadi partly, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery) - Central Highlands (Damodar) - Chhota Nagpur (Subarnarekha, Brahmani) - Eastern Ghats (Nagavali, Vamsadhara, Rushikulya).
Sources
- NCERT Class IX Geography - Chapter 3: Drainage
- Central Water Commission - River Basin Atlas of India