Part of: West Bengal Gk set 11

Kolkata Is Located On The Banks Of The River

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the major rivers in West Bengal.

Correct Answer: B) Hugli

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, WBCS

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is situated on the banks of the Hugli River. The Hugli River, also known as the Hooghly River, is a distributary of the Ganges River. It forms a significant part of the geography and economy of West Bengal, particularly in the region around Kolkata.

The Ganges River, one of the most important rivers in India, splits into two major distributaries as it approaches the Bay of Bengal. The eastern distributary is the Padma River, which flows through Bangladesh, while the western distributary is the Hugli River, which flows through West Bengal. The Hugli River is approximately 260 kilometers long and is an important waterway for transportation and trade.

Kolkata, being located on the banks of the Hugli River, has historically been a major port city. The river has played a crucial role in the city's development, providing a means of transportation and facilitating trade. The Hugli River is also significant for its cultural and religious importance, with several temples and ghats (riverfront steps) along its banks.

It is important to note that the Kaveri River, mentioned in Option A, is located in southern India and is not associated with Kolkata. The Kaveri River flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and is a major river in the southern part of the country. Similarly, the Padma River, mentioned in Option C, is a major river in Bangladesh and does not flow through Kolkata.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Kolkata is located on the banks of the Hugli River, which is a distributary of the Ganges River and is integral to the city's geography and economy.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Kaveri River is located in southern India, primarily in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and is not associated with Kolkata.
  • Option B: Correct. The Hugli River, a distributary of the Ganges, flows through Kolkata and is integral to the city's geography and economy.
  • Option C: Incorrect. The Padma River is a major river in Bangladesh and does not flow through Kolkata.
  • Option D: Incorrect. This option is not correct because Kolkata is indeed located on the banks of the Hugli River.

Mnemonic: Hugli for Kolkata, like Ganga for Varanasi

Back to West Bengal Gk set 11 – Practice all questions