Part of: West Bengal Gk set 18

The main branch of the Ganga in West Bengal

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the major rivers that flow through West Bengal.

Correct Answer: D) Hugli

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, SSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is one of the most important rivers in India, flowing through several states and forming a significant part of the country's geography and culture. The river originates in the Himalayas and flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

In West Bengal, the Ganga splits into several distributaries, with the Hugli (or Hooghly) being the main branch. The Hugli River is a significant waterway that flows through the state, passing through major cities such as Kolkata. It is not only important for its historical significance but also for its role in the economic activities of the region, including transportation and irrigation.

The Hugli River is a continuation of the Ganga after it splits into two main branches at the Farakka Barrage. The other branch, the Padma, flows into Bangladesh. The Hugli is crucial for the state of West Bengal, as it supports a large population and is a vital part of the region's ecosystem and economy.

It is important to understand the geographical distribution of the Ganga's branches to correctly identify the main branch in West Bengal. The Padma, while a significant branch of the Ganga, is primarily located in Bangladesh and does not flow through West Bengal. The Kaveri and Betwa are rivers in different parts of India and are not related to the Ganga in West Bengal.

Therefore, the Hugli is the correct answer as it is the main branch of the Ganga that flows through West Bengal, playing a crucial role in the state's geography, history, and economy.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Padma is a major branch of the Ganga, but it primarily flows through Bangladesh, not West Bengal. This makes it incorrect in the context of the question.
  • Option B: The Kaveri is a river in South India, not related to the Ganga or West Bengal. This option is incorrect as it does not pertain to the geographical context of the question.
  • Option C: The Betwa is a tributary of the Yamuna, which is a tributary of the Ganga, but it is located in central India and not in West Bengal. This option is incorrect as it is not a branch of the Ganga in West Bengal.
  • Option D: The Hugli is the correct answer as it is the main branch of the Ganga that flows through West Bengal. It is significant for its historical and economic importance in the region.

Mnemonic: Ganga's journey ends in Hugli.

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