UPSC Prelims 2024
Indian Geography Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 2 solved UPSC Prelims 2024 Indian Geography questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Consider the following information:
| Waterfall | Region | River |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dhuandhar | Malwa | Narmada |
| 2. Hundru | Chota Nagpur | Subarnarekha |
| 3. Gersoppa | Western Ghats | Netravati |
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Only two
This question tests the correct matching of waterfalls with their regions and rivers. Out of the three pairs given, two are correctly matched while one contains an error in the river name.
✅ Pair 1 – Correct: Dhuandhar waterfall is located on the Narmada River in the Malwa region (Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh).
✅ Pair 2 – Correct: Hundru waterfall is located on the Subarnarekha River in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region (Jharkhand).
❌ Pair 3 – Incorrect: Gersoppa (Jog Falls) is located on the Sharavati River in the Western Ghats, not on the Netravati River.
📝 Short Notes: Major Waterfalls of India
| Waterfall | State | River | Height (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jog Falls (Gersoppa) | Karnataka | Sharavati | 253 m (highest in India) |
| Dhuandhar Falls | Madhya Pradesh | Narmada | 30 m |
| Hundru Falls | Jharkhand | Subarnarekha | 98 m |
| Chitrakoot Falls | Chhattisgarh | Indravati | 29 m (widest in India) |
| Athirappilly Falls | Kerala | Chalakudy | 24 m |
| Nohkalikai Falls | Meghalaya | - | 340 m (tallest plunge waterfall) |
| Dudhsagar Falls | Goa | Mandovi | 310 m |
With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Gomati - Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi
The correct sequence of Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East is Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi. Gomati joins near Varanasi (westernmost), followed by Ghaghara at Chhapra, Gandak at Sonpur near Patna, and Kosi near Kursela in Katihar district (easternmost).
📝 Short Notes: Himalayan Tributaries of Ganga Downstream of Prayagraj
| River | Origin | Confluence with Ganga | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gomati | Gomat Taal (Fulhaar Jheel), Pilibhit district, UP | Near Varanasi (Ghazipur), UP | Plains-fed river; flows through Lucknow; westernmost tributary in this sequence |
| Ghaghara (Karnali) | Mapchachungo glaciers near Mansarovar, Tibet | Chhapra (Saran district), Bihar | Largest tributary of Ganga by volume; flows through Nepal; also called Kauriala in UP |
| Gandak (Narayani) | Nepal Himalayas (between Dhaulagiri and Everest) | Sonpur (near Patna), Bihar | Composite river formed by Kaligandak and Trishuli; famous for shifting course |
| Kosi (Saptakosi) | Tibet/Nepal Himalayas (formed by Arun, Sun Kosi, Tamur Kosi) | Near Kursela, Katihar district, Bihar | Known as 'Sorrow of Bihar' due to frequent floods and channel shifts; easternmost tributary |
- Geographic Sequence: All four rivers originate in the Himalayas (except Gomati which is plains-fed) and join the Ganga in Bihar and eastern UP, progressively from west to east.
- Importance: These rivers are crucial for irrigation, hydropower, and navigation in the Indo-Gangetic plains, but also cause frequent flooding.
- Confluence Points: Remembering the confluence locations helps: Varanasi → Chhapra → Patna (Sonpur) → Katihar (west to east along Ganga's course).
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UPSC Prelims 2024 - Indian Geography Chapter-wise Distribution
Physical Geography of India
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- Physical Geography of India: 2 questions (100%)