Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 95

Major rivers forming northern plains:

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical location and the flow of rivers in the northern plains.

Correct Answer: C) Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The northern plains of India are a significant geographical feature that stretches across the northern part of the country. These plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of major rivers, which have been shaping the landscape over thousands of years. The primary rivers responsible for the formation of the northern plains are the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.

The Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is one of the most important rivers in India. It originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas and flows through the northern plains, eventually reaching the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga is a major contributor to the alluvial deposits that form the fertile soil of the northern plains, making it a crucial river for agriculture and human habitation.

The Brahmaputra is another significant river that forms part of the northern plains. It originates in Tibet and flows through the northeastern states of India before joining the Ganga in Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra also contributes to the alluvial deposits that form the northern plains, particularly in the eastern part of the region.

The Indus River, although it flows primarily through Pakistan, also contributes to the formation of the northern plains in India. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through the western part of the northern plains before reaching the Arabian Sea. The Indus and its tributaries, such as the Satluj, bring alluvial deposits that form the plains in the western part of the region.

Other rivers mentioned in the options, such as the Kaveri, Satluj, and Krishna, do not form the northern plains. The Kaveri is located in the southern part of India and flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Satluj is a tributary of the Indus and flows through the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, but it does not form the northern plains on its own. The Krishna is another southern river that flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Understanding the role of these rivers in forming the northern plains is essential for comprehending the geographical and agricultural significance of this region. The alluvial deposits brought by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus rivers create a fertile and productive landscape that supports a large population and extensive agricultural activities.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because the Kaveri and Satluj rivers do not form the northern plains. The Kaveri is located in the southern part of India, and the Satluj is a tributary of the Indus, but it does not form the northern plains on its own.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because the Krishna and Kaveri rivers are located in the southern part of India and do not contribute to the formation of the northern plains. The Brahmaputra does form part of the northern plains, but the other two rivers do not.
  • Option C: This option is correct because the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus rivers are the major rivers that form the northern plains of India. These rivers bring alluvial deposits that create the fertile plains.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because not all the rivers listed in the other options form the northern plains. Only the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus are the major rivers that contribute to the formation of the northern plains.

Mnemonic: GBI: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus

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