In Indian geography textbooks, which of the following is commonly referred to as the highest dam in India among the listed options?

Introduction / Context:
Dams are often compared in terms of height, length and storage capacity. Several large multipurpose projects have become landmarks in Indian geography. Many school and exam oriented books traditionally describe Bhakra Dam as the highest dam in India among well known early projects. This question asks you to select that dam from a list of options.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• We are given a list of dams: Maithon, Bhakra, Hirakud, Machkund and Rihand. • The question refers to the dam commonly described as the highest among these in traditional texts. • We consider the context of older multipurpose river valley projects often covered in Indian geography. • Modern projects may have higher figures, but exam material often uses the classic classification.

Concept / Approach:
Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River has a substantial height and was regarded for many years as one of the highest straight gravity dams in the country. Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi is famous for its great length, not for being the tallest in height. Maithon, Machkund and Rihand are important but not generally cited as the highest in terms of height.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall key facts about each of the listed dams from standard geography chapters on multipurpose projects. Step 2: Bhakra Dam, part of the Bhakra Nangal project on the Sutlej River, is described as a very high concrete gravity dam. Step 3: Hirakud Dam in Odisha is well known for being one of the longest dams in the world, stretching for many kilometres. Step 4: Maithon, Machkund and Rihand are important for power and irrigation but are not typically highlighted as the highest in height. Step 5: Therefore, among the given options, Bhakra Dam is the correct choice as the highest dam.

Verification / Alternative check:
Objective type question banks repeatedly give Bhakra Dam as the answer when asked which is the highest dam among classic major projects. Textbooks often mention Bhakra Nangal as a massive high dam in contrast with Hirakud, which is described as very long. This pattern is consistent across many exam preparations, reinforcing Bhakra as the expected answer in this specific question framing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Maithon Dam: Located on the Barakar River and important for power, but not known as the highest dam. Hirakud Dam: Famous for being one of the longest earthen dams, not the highest in height. Machkund Dam: A hydroelectric project on the Machkund River but not particularly noted for extreme height. Rihand Dam: A large dam in Uttar Pradesh, significant for thermal power stations nearby, yet not described as the highest among major dams.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students mistakenly select Hirakud because they mix up the concept of longest and highest. Others may be unsure because newer projects exist but do not realise that many exam questions still use older project comparisons. Remembering the pairing Hirakud longest and Bhakra highest among classic dams helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
Among the listed dams, the one commonly regarded in Indian geography textbooks as the highest is the Bhakra Dam.