Part of: Assam Gk set 6

The ..... river flows east through the Himalaya, west into India, and south into Bangladesh.

Category: Assam Gk

Hint: Consider the river's origin and its path through different countries.

Correct Answer: A) Brahmaputra

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Brahmaputra River is a major river in the Indian subcontinent, known for its significant geographical and ecological impact. It originates in the Angsi Glacier in the Himalayas, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The river flows eastward through the Himalayas, entering India in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It then flows through the northeastern states of India, including Assam, before crossing into Bangladesh and eventually merging with the Ganges River to form the world's largest delta, the Sundarbans.

The Brahmaputra is one of the major rivers in the region and plays a crucial role in the hydrology and agriculture of the areas it passes through. It is also known for its high sediment load, which contributes to the formation of fertile alluvial plains. The river's course is characterized by its dramatic changes in direction, starting from a north-south flow in Tibet, turning eastward as it enters India, and then flowing southward into Bangladesh.

Understanding the course of the Brahmaputra River is important for several reasons. It helps in comprehending the geographical features of the Indian subcontinent, particularly the northeastern states of India and Bangladesh. The river's path also influences the climate, agriculture, and economy of the regions it passes through. Additionally, the Brahmaputra is a key factor in the ecological balance of the region, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

It is important to distinguish the Brahmaputra from other major rivers in the region, such as the Ganges and the Indus. The Ganges, for instance, originates in the Himalayas and flows primarily from north to south through India and Bangladesh, while the Indus River flows westward through Pakistan. The Brahmaputra's unique course, starting in Tibet and flowing east through the Himalayas before turning south, sets it apart from these other rivers.

Thus, the correct answer to the question is the Brahmaputra River, as it is the only river among the options that flows east through the Himalayas, west into India, and south into Bangladesh.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet, flows east through the Himalayas, enters India, and then flows south into Bangladesh. It is a significant river in the region, known for its course and impact on the geography of the Indian subcontinent.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The Ganges River originates in the Himalayas and flows through India and Bangladesh, but it does not flow east through the Himalayas before entering India. It primarily flows from north to south.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The Indus River originates in Tibet and flows westward through Pakistan, not east through the Himalayas and into India and Bangladesh.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. "Alluvial" refers to soil deposited by rivers, not a river itself. The question asks for a specific river that follows a particular course.

Mnemonic: B for Brahmaputra, B for Bangladesh, B for Bhutan (origin)

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