In Rajasthan, which river is popularly known by the local name Van Ki Asha meaning hope of the forest?

Introduction / Context:
Local nicknames for rivers often reflect the way communities perceive their importance for agriculture, forests or settlement. In Rajasthan, an arid state with limited perennial rivers, any river that supports greenery and forests gains special significance. One such river is affectionately called Van Ki Asha, which translates to hope of the forest. This question tests whether students can match that local name with the correct river in Rajasthan, deepening their understanding of regional physical geography and local culture.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The phrase Van Ki Asha means hope of the forest. - It is used locally in Rajasthan for a particular river. - The options are Chambal, Mahi, Banas and Luni. - Only one of these rivers is widely associated with this nickname in geography references.

Concept / Approach:
The Banas river in Rajasthan is an important tributary of the Chambal and flows through forested and hilly tracts where its water supports vegetation in an otherwise dry landscape. Because of the life giving role it plays for forests and agriculture, it is known locally as Van Ki Asha. Chambal, Mahi and Luni each have their own significance, but this particular nickname is attached to Banas in many regional geography sources. The approach is to remember that Van is forest and Asha is hope, and to associate this hopeful name with a river that nurtures forests in a dry state.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be carried out by reviewing Rajasthan specific geography books and state competitive exam guides. These often include short match the following questions or tables of local river nicknames, where Banas is linked with Van Ki Asha. None of the other rivers listed are paired with this phrase in those tables, which confirms that Banas is the intended answer for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Chambal is known for deep ravines and a network of dams and is more often associated with ravine erosion and wildlife than with this particular local name. Mahi flows through parts of Rajasthan and neighbouring states but does not commonly carry the label Van Ki Asha in exam oriented notes. Luni is famous as an inland draining river and is sometimes called a salty river in its lower course, not hope of the forest. None of the above is incorrect because Banas alone is strongly linked with the nickname given.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may guess Chambal because it is the best known river among the options, forgetting that the nickname refers specifically to hope for forests and is usually reserved for Banas. Others might choose Luni due to its association with desert areas without recalling the positive forest connection implied in the phrase. To avoid such mistakes, it is useful to memorise a few Hindi river nicknames and their meanings, such as Van Ki Asha for Banas.

Final Answer:
The river in Rajasthan that is popularly known as Van Ki Asha or hope of the forest is the Banas river.