Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Pune
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
River city pair questions are a favourite area in Indian geography because they connect physical geography with urban development and history. The Mula–Mutha is a river formed by the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers and plays an important role in the life of a major city in Maharashtra. Knowing which city stands on this river system helps you answer map based MCQs and understand regional geography better.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall which rivers flow through each city. Pune is known to be located at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers, which later join the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna. Nagpur is associated with the Nag River and other smaller streams in Vidarbha. Ahmedabad and Surat lie on the Sabarmati and Tapi rivers respectively in Gujarat. By matching the correct river with each city, we can identify the correct option.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Pune is an important city in western Maharashtra.
Step 2: Know that two rivers, Mula and Mutha, flow through Pune and meet there to form the Mula–Mutha river system.
Step 3: Remember that Nagpur is located on the Nag River, Ahmedabad on the Sabarmati River, and Surat on the Tapi River, none of which are the Mula–Mutha.
Step 4: Since only Pune fits the description of being on the Mula–Mutha, it must be the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Maps of Maharashtra and descriptions of Pune in geography or tourism books clearly show the Mula and Mutha rivers flowing through the city and joining to form the Mula–Mutha. Urban planning and pollution control reports for Pune also frequently mention the Mula–Mutha river. This consistent evidence confirms that Pune is the city located on this river system, verifying our conclusion.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Nagpur: Located in eastern Maharashtra on the Nag River and associated lakes, not on the Mula–Mutha.
Ahmedabad: Major city of Gujarat situated on the Sabarmati River.
Surat: Important port city of Gujarat located on the Tapi River near its mouth, not on the Mula–Mutha.
Common Pitfalls:
Because several western Indian cities are discussed together in geography, students sometimes mix up their rivers. Another common error is to focus only on bigger rivers like the Ganga or Godavari and ignore smaller regional rivers that still play a crucial role for specific cities. To avoid confusion, make a short list of important “city and river” combinations, such as Pune–Mula–Mutha, Ahmedabad–Sabarmati, Surat–Tapi, and Nagpur–Nag. Regular revision of this list will make river based MCQs much easier.
Final Answer:
The Indian city located on the banks of the river Mula–Mutha is Pune.
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