UPSC Prelims 2022 Q24: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers?
- (a) Cauvery
- (b) Manjira
- (c) Pennar
- (d) Tungabhadra
Answer: (c) Pennar
Explanation
Gandikota canyon — the 'Grand Canyon of India'
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| River | Pennar (Penna) |
| Location | Kadapa (YSR) district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Rock | Cuts through the Erramala hills of red sandstone |
| Gorge | About 300 m deep, a striking narrow valley |
| Fort | Gandikota Fort, built in the 12th century; held later by the Pemmasani Nayakas |
Rivers in the options:
| River | Known for |
|---|---|
| Cauvery | Hogenakkal falls, Shivanasamudra falls |
| Manjira | Tributary of the Godavari |
| Pennar | Gandikota canyon |
| Tungabhadra | Hampi, Tungabhadra dam |
Answer: (c) Pennar.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Cauvery forms the Hogenakkal gorge, not Gandikota.
- (b) Incorrect. The Manjira is a Godavari tributary in Telangana and Karnataka.
- (c) CORRECT. The Pennar cut the Gandikota canyon through the Erramala hills in Andhra Pradesh.
- (d) Incorrect. The Tungabhadra flows past Hampi, not Gandikota.
Key point
Gandikota canyon ('Grand Canyon of India') = Pennar river, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, Erramala hills.
Remember
The Pennar river created the Gandikota canyon.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the Tungabhadra because Gandikota is near the old Vijayanagara region.
- Confusing Gandikota with Hogenakkal on the Cauvery.
- Placing Gandikota in Karnataka; it is in Andhra Pradesh.
Exam tip
Kadapa + canyon = Pennar. The Pennar is the main river of Rayalaseema.
Sources
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism — Gandikota
- NCERT Class XI — India: Physical Environment, Ch 3 (Drainage System)