The famous Sivasamudram Falls, an important hydropower and tourist site in southern India, is formed on which major river?

Introduction / Context:
Sivasamudram Falls is one of the well known waterfalls of southern India and is also associated with one of the earliest hydroelectric projects in the country. Questions about famous waterfalls often test the ability to link them with the correct river system. This helps students reinforce mental maps of important physical features of India.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The location mentioned is Sivasamudram Falls in southern India. • Options list the rivers Ganga, Saryu, Cauvery and Krishna. • We assume standard names used in school atlases, where Cauvery and Kaveri refer to the same river. • The question expects identification of the river on which this waterfall lies.

Concept / Approach:
In physical geography, important waterfalls are associated with major rivers. Sivasamudram or Shivanasamudra is located in Karnataka and lies on the Cauvery River. The river splits into branches and forms spectacular segmented falls in this region. Therefore, the correct method is to recall which southern river flows through Karnataka and is classically associated with these falls.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that Sivasamudram is in the state of Karnataka, which is drained by rivers like Cauvery, Krishna and their tributaries. Step 2: Recall that the Cauvery River flows from western Karnataka and enters Tamil Nadu, forming several waterfalls and rapids along its course. Step 3: Note from standard geography references that Shivanasamudra or Sivasamudram Falls is specifically associated with the Cauvery River. Step 4: Compare with other options: Ganga and Saryu are rivers of northern India, and Krishna, though present in the south, is not linked to this particular waterfall. Step 5: Conclude that Cauvery is the only correct match for Sivasamudram Falls.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick mental map of India shows the Ganga and Saryu flowing through the northern plains and Himalayan foothills, far from Karnataka. The Krishna River flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, but major waterfalls like Sivasamudram are traditionally attributed to the Cauvery. Many atlases specifically label Shivanasamudra Falls on the Cauvery River, confirming this association.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Ganga does not flow through Karnataka in the region where Sivasamudram is located, so it cannot form this waterfall. Option B: Saryu is a tributary of the Ghagra in the Ganga system and is located in the northern part of India, not in southern Karnataka. Option D: Krishna is an important peninsular river but Sivasamudram Falls is not associated with it in standard geography references.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to confuse Sivasamudram with other waterfalls and randomly pick any southern river like Krishna. Another mistake is not remembering that Ganga and Saryu belong to the northern river system. Students should build strong mental associations between each major Indian waterfall and its river to avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
Sivasamudram Falls is formed on the Cauvery River.