Part of: West Bengal Gk set 42

Which city is situated on the banks of Hooghly river?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the major cities in West Bengal and their proximity to the Hooghly river.

Correct Answer: D) Kolkata

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Hooghly River, also known as the Bhāgirathi-Hooghly, is a distributary of the Ganges River that flows through the Indian state of West Bengal. It is one of the most important rivers in the region, not only for its geographical significance but also for its historical and economic importance. The river originates from the Ganges at a place called Sultanganj in the state of Bihar and flows through West Bengal before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Among the cities listed in the options, only Kolkata is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital city of West Bengal and is one of the largest cities in India. The Hooghly River has played a significant role in the development of Kolkata, serving as a major transportation route and a source of water for the city. The riverfront of Kolkata is a bustling area with numerous historical landmarks, including the famous Howrah Bridge and the Victoria Memorial.

The other cities mentioned in the options are located in different parts of India and are not associated with the Hooghly River. Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is located in the Himalayan foothills and is known for its colonial architecture and scenic beauty. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and is a major industrial and cultural center. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is located on the southern tip of India and is known for its beaches and historical sites.

Understanding the geographical locations of major cities in relation to significant rivers is important for various examinations, particularly those related to geography and general knowledge. The Hooghly River is a key geographical feature of West Bengal, and its association with Kolkata is a fundamental piece of information for students studying the geography of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Shimla is not located on the banks of the Hooghly River. It is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and is situated in the Himalayan foothills.
  • Option B: Chennai is not located on the banks of the Hooghly River. It is a major city in Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
  • Option C: Thiruvananthapuram is not located on the banks of the Hooghly River. It is the capital city of Kerala and is located on the southern tip of India.
  • Option D: Kolkata is the correct answer. It is located on the banks of the Hooghly River, which is a distributary of the Ganges River. The Hooghly River is a significant geographical feature of West Bengal and plays a crucial role in the city's history and economy.

Mnemonic: Hooghly flows by Kolkata, not by the others.

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