Part of: Bihar Gk set 6

..... river is known to cause widespread human suffering as a result of flood, and is commonly known as ' sorrow of Bihar '

Category: Bihar Gk

Hint: Consider the river known for its unpredictable and devastating floods in Bihar.

Correct Answer: D) Kosi

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Kosi River, often referred to as the "Sorrow of Bihar," is a significant river in the Indian state of Bihar. The river originates in the Himalayas and flows through Nepal before entering India. The Kosi is known for its unpredictable and devastating floods, which have caused widespread human suffering in the region. The term "Sorrow of Bihar" is used to describe the Kosi because of the severe impact of its floods on the local population.

The Kosi River is particularly notorious for its high sediment load, which is one of the highest in the world. This sediment load, combined with the river's tendency to change course frequently, makes it extremely difficult to manage and control. The river's behavior is influenced by several factors, including the monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall and can cause the river to overflow its banks.

The Kosi's floods have had a significant impact on the region's economy and infrastructure. The river's unpredictable nature has led to the displacement of thousands of people and has caused extensive damage to crops, homes, and other infrastructure. The government has attempted to mitigate the impact of the Kosi's floods through various engineering projects, such as the construction of embankments and the Kosi Barrage, but these efforts have not been entirely successful in preventing the river's devastating floods.

While other rivers in Bihar, such as the Ganges and Gandak, can also cause flooding, the Kosi is particularly known for its severe and frequent floods. The term "Sorrow of Bihar" is specifically associated with the Kosi due to its historical and geographical context. The Ganges, for example, is a much larger and more significant river, but it is not as notorious for causing the same level of human suffering as the Kosi.

Understanding the Kosi River and its impact on Bihar is important for students preparing for competitive examinations, as it is a significant topic in Indian geography and regional studies. The Kosi's unique characteristics and the challenges it poses to the region make it a noteworthy river system in the context of Indian geography and environmental studies.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Ganges is a major river in India, but it is not specifically known as the "Sorrow of Bihar." While it can cause flooding, the term "Sorrow of Bihar" is more commonly associated with the Kosi River.
  • Option B: The Phalgu River is a minor river in Bihar, but it is not known for causing widespread human suffering due to floods. It is not referred to as the "Sorrow of Bihar."
  • Option C: The Gandak River is another river in Bihar, but it is not as notorious for causing widespread human suffering as the Kosi. The term "Sorrow of Bihar" is not typically associated with the Gandak.
  • Option D: The Kosi River is correctly identified as the "Sorrow of Bihar" due to its frequent and devastating floods that have caused significant human suffering in the region. The Kosi's unpredictable behavior and high sediment load make it particularly dangerous.

Mnemonic: Kosi: Keep Out Sorrow Indefinitely

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