Shivanasamudra Falls (also written as Shivanasamudra or Sivasamudram), an important waterfall and hydropower site in Karnataka, is situated on the bank of which river?

Introduction / Context:
Shivanasamudra Falls is a well known waterfall in Karnataka and is a classic example used in Indian geography to connect major waterfalls with their rivers. It is also associated with one of the earliest hydroelectric power projects in India that supplied power to nearby cities. This question reinforces the association between Shivanasamudra Falls and the correct river system.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The waterfall named is Shivanasamudra Falls. • Options provide four rivers: Indus, Kaveri, Ganga and Brahmaputra. • We assume common knowledge that Kaveri and Cauvery are two spellings of the same river. • The location is in Karnataka on the Deccan Plateau.

Concept / Approach:
In southern India, important waterfalls such as Jog Falls and Shivanasamudra Falls are linked with particular peninsular rivers. Shivanasamudra Falls occurs where the Kaveri River splits and cascades over rocky terrain. Ganga and Brahmaputra are major Himalayan rivers of northern and north eastern India, while Indus flows mainly through the north west and into Pakistan. The correct approach is therefore to recall that Kaveri is the only option that matches the location of Shivanasamudra Falls.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Place Karnataka in your mental map and recall that the Kaveri River flows through this state before entering Tamil Nadu. Step 2: Remember from geography lessons that Shivanasamudra Falls lies on this Kaveri River within Karnataka. Step 3: Compare the options and see that Kaveri is the only south Indian river listed. Step 4: Exclude Ganga and Brahmaputra, which are located in the northern belt and in the north east, far from Karnataka. Step 5: Exclude Indus, which flows through the north western frontier and into Pakistan, and has no connection with this waterfall in Karnataka.

Verification / Alternative check:
Atlases and many school textbooks clearly mark Shivanasamudra Falls on the Kaveri River in southern Karnataka. This feature is often labelled together with other major waterfalls on the same river system. Hydroelectric projects at Shivanasamudra also list the Kaveri River as their water source, reinforcing the connection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Indus does not pass through Karnataka and is not associated with Shivanasamudra in any reference material. Option C: Ganga is a major river of northern India and has no waterfalls named Shivanasamudra on its course. Option D: Brahmaputra flows through Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and does not host Shivanasamudra Falls.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes students know that Shivanasamudra and Sivasamudram refer to the same waterfall but forget which river is involved. Others become confused between different southern rivers like Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri. Keeping a simple table of major waterfalls and their rivers in your notes can prevent such confusion in exams.

Final Answer:
Shivanasamudra Falls is situated on the bank of the Kaveri River.