Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 120

Which river does this list describe:begins in the Himalayasis considered a holy rivercarries rich soil to the peopleempties into the Bay of Bengal

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the river's origin, cultural significance, and where it empties.

Correct Answer: A) Ganges River.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Ganges River, known as the Ganga in India, is one of the most important rivers in the country. It is a major river that flows through the northern part of India and is considered sacred in Hinduism. The river originates in the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, which is a significant geographical feature. The Ganges is revered by Hindus and is considered a holy river, with many religious rituals and ceremonies performed along its banks.

The river carries rich alluvial soil, which is deposited in the plains of northern India, making the region highly fertile and suitable for agriculture. This is one of the reasons why the Ganges is so important to the people of India, as it supports a large population through its agricultural contributions. The river eventually empties into the Bay of Bengal, forming a large delta that includes parts of both India and Bangladesh.

Other rivers in India, such as the Indus and Brahmaputra, also have significant geographical and cultural importance, but they do not match the specific characteristics described in the question. The Indus River, for example, flows through Pakistan and empties into the Arabian Sea, while the Brahmaputra, although it does flow into the Bay of Bengal, is not considered a holy river in the same way as the Ganges.

The Saraswati River, mentioned in Hindu mythology, is not a physical river that can be identified by the given characteristics. It is often associated with the goddess Saraswati, who is the deity of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom, but it does not have a physical presence that matches the description provided in the question.

Therefore, the Ganges River is the correct answer as it meets all the criteria mentioned: it begins in the Himalayas, is considered a holy river, carries rich soil to the people, and empties into the Bay of Bengal.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Ganges River begins in the Himalayas, is considered a holy river in Hinduism, carries rich soil to the people, and empties into the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the most significant rivers in India both culturally and geographically.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The Indus River originates in the Himalayas but flows through Pakistan and empties into the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal. It is not considered a holy river in India.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The Saraswati River is a mythical river in Hinduism and is not a physical river that can be identified by the given characteristics. It does not flow into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The Brahmaputra River originates in the Himalayas and flows through India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. However, it is not considered a holy river in the same way as the Ganges and does not carry the same cultural significance.

Mnemonic: Ganges: G for Ganges, G for Ganga, G for Great

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