Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Sutlej, Beas and Ravi
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Indus River system is one of the major river systems of the Indian subcontinent and a key topic in Indian physical geography. It includes several important tributaries that flow partly through India before joining the main Indus River. This question checks whether you can correctly identify which group of rivers belongs to the Indus basin, in contrast to rivers that belong to the Ganga basin or other systems. Such knowledge is important for understanding patterns of drainage, irrigation, and interstate water sharing in northern India and adjoining regions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, you need to recall which rivers are tributaries of the Indus and which belong to the Ganga or other basins. The Indus system, on the Indian side, includes the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, often remembered together as part of Punjab's five rivers. On the other hand, rivers such as Ganga, Gomati, Kosi, Gandak, Betwa and Sone are tributaries in the Ganga basin flowing mainly through the Indo Gangetic plains and central India. By grouping rivers according to their basins, you can clearly separate the correct set from the distractors.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify your answer by recalling that the historic region of Punjab literally means land of five rivers, referring to Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, which are tributaries of the Indus. Textbooks on Indian geography also classify drainage basins, clearly separating the Indus system in the north west from the Ganga system in the north and east. Since Sutlej, Beas and Ravi flow through Punjab and Jammu regions before joining the Indus, they consistently appear in maps and tables as Indus basin rivers.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to confuse river basins because many names are learned together without emphasis on their drainage patterns. Students may also associate Beas and Sutlej correctly with the Indus but then assume that any large northern river like Ganga belongs with them. To avoid such confusion, practise drawing simple basin maps and memorise which tributaries join which main river. This mental map will help you quickly identify which groups of rivers belong together in MCQs like this one.
Final Answer:
The correct group is Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, because all three rivers are tributaries of the Indus River system within India.
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