Part of: Bihar Gk set 10

Which river is known as Bihar ka Shok (Sorrow of Bihar)?

Category: Bihar Gk

Hint: Consider the river known for frequent flooding in Bihar.

Correct Answer: D) Kosi

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Kosi River, often referred to as "Bihar ka Shok" (Sorrow of Bihar), is a significant river in the state of Bihar, India. The river is known for its frequent and devastating floods, which have caused immense damage to the surrounding areas. The Kosi River is part of the Ganges river system and originates in the Himalayas, flowing through Nepal and India before joining the Ganges River.

The Kosi River is particularly notorious for its high sediment load and its tendency to change its course frequently. This characteristic, known as "braiding," makes the river highly unpredictable and difficult to manage. The river's shifting course and the deposition of large amounts of sediment have led to the creation of a vast floodplain, which is prone to flooding during the monsoon season.

The term "Bihar ka Shok" (Sorrow of Bihar) is used to describe the Kosi River due to the significant impact of its floods on the lives and livelihoods of the people living in the region. The floods have caused widespread destruction, loss of life, and economic hardship. The government and various organizations have undertaken several projects to control the river and mitigate the effects of flooding, but the Kosi continues to be a challenging river to manage.

It is important to understand the geographical and historical context of the Kosi River to appreciate why it is known as "Bihar ka Shok." The river's unique characteristics and the challenges it poses to the region make it a significant topic in the study of geography and environmental science, particularly in the context of river management and flood control.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Ganga is a major river in India but is not specifically known as "Bihar ka Shok." It does not have the same reputation for frequent and devastating floods as the Kosi River.
  • Option B: The Sone River is another river in Bihar, but it is not known as "Bihar ka Shok." The Sone does not have the same history of frequent and destructive flooding as the Kosi River.
  • Option C: The Cauvery River is located in southern India and is not associated with Bihar. It is not known as "Bihar ka Shok" and does not have a history of causing significant flooding in Bihar.
  • Option D: The Kosi River is correctly identified as "Bihar ka Shok" due to its frequent and devastating floods. The Kosi is known for its unpredictable nature and the significant damage it causes to the surrounding areas in Bihar.

Mnemonic: Kosi: Known for causing sorrow in Bihar

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