Which of the following major rivers does not flow through the state of Punjab, even though the region is traditionally known as the land of five rivers?

Introduction / Context:
The very name Punjab means land of five rivers, and historically this region has been associated with several tributaries of the Indus river system. General knowledge questions often test whether learners can correctly identify which rivers flow through Punjab and which do not. This question asks you to pick the river that does not pass through Punjab from a list of well known rivers.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The state in focus is Punjab in north western India. • We must identify the river that does not flow through Punjab from the list. • Options include Sutlej, Ravi, Jhelum, Ganga and Beas. • We assume general knowledge of river courses in north India.

Concept / Approach:
The classic five rivers of Punjab historically are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, all part of the Indus system. The Ganga river belongs to a separate basin and flows through states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, not through Punjab. The approach is to identify the odd one out by river basin and flow direction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the traditional rivers associated with Punjab. These include Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. Step 2: Among the options, Sutlej, Ravi, Jhelum and Beas all appear and match this list. Step 3: Ganga does not belong to the Indus system and flows much further east and south. Step 4: The river Ganga does not pass through the geographical area of Punjab as shown in Indian political maps. Step 5: Therefore, Ganga is the river that does not flow through Punjab.

Verification / Alternative check:
River basin maps of north India separate the Indus basin in the west from the Ganga basin in the centre and east. Punjab is clearly marked under the Indus basin with rivers like Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, while the Ganga flows through different states. Exam tables listing rivers and states confirm that Ganga is not associated with Punjab as a flowing river.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sutlej: A major river of the Indus system that flows through Punjab. Ravi: Another key river of the Punjab region, forming part of the historical five rivers. Jhelum: Flows through the northern parts of the broader Punjab region and is part of the classic pentad. Beas: Also one of the five rivers of Punjab and flows through the state.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mistakenly think that any large north Indian river, including the Ganga, must flow through Punjab simply because they recall the term land of five rivers. Others confuse the modern political state of Punjab with the larger historic Punjab region which extended into current Pakistan. A clear mental picture of separate Indus and Ganga basins helps in preventing such confusion when answering similar questions.

Final Answer:
Among the listed rivers, the one that does not flow through Punjab is the Ganga.