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).
Question 3 of 18 Drainage System and Rivers
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