Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 163

This major river starts in the Himalayas and flows out into the Bay of Bengal

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the river's origin and its final destination.

Correct Answer: A) Ganges

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Ganges River is one of the most significant rivers in India, both culturally and geographically. It originates in the Himalayas, specifically at the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarakhand state of India. The river flows through the northern plains of India, passing through several major cities such as Haridwar, Allahabad, and Varanasi, before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal through a vast delta in the Sundarbans region, which is shared between India and Bangladesh.

The Ganges is considered sacred in Hinduism and is a central figure in Indian culture and religion. It is often referred to as the "Ganga" and is worshipped as a goddess. The river's course through India is a significant factor in the region's agriculture, economy, and daily life. The river's water is used for irrigation, drinking, and religious ceremonies.

Other major rivers in India, such as the Indus and Brahmaputra, also originate in the Himalayas but have different courses and destinations. The Indus River flows through Pakistan and empties into the Arabian Sea, while the Brahmaputra River flows through northeastern India and Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal. The Tigris River, on the other hand, is located in the Middle East and flows through Turkey, Syria, and Iraq before joining the Euphrates River and emptying into the Persian Gulf.

Understanding the origins and courses of these rivers is crucial for geographical knowledge and for comprehending the cultural and economic significance of these water bodies in their respective regions. The Ganges, in particular, plays a vital role in the religious and social fabric of India, making it a key river to study and understand.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. The Ganges River originates in the Himalayas and flows through northern India before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the most significant rivers in India.
  • Option B: This is incorrect. The Indus River originates in the Himalayas but flows into the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal.
  • Option C: This is incorrect. The Brahmaputra River also originates in the Himalayas and flows into the Bay of Bengal, but it does so through Bangladesh, not directly from India.
  • Option D: This is incorrect. The Tigris River is located in the Middle East and flows into the Persian Gulf, not the Bay of Bengal.

Mnemonic: Ganges: G for Ganges, G for Ganges, G for Ganges

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