UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 53: Geography
With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
In the Indus system the Jhelum joins the Chenab and the Ravi also falls into the Chenab. The Chenab then meets the Sutlej (already joined by the Beas) near Uch to form the Panjnad, which reaches the Indus at Mithankot. The Jhelum, Ravi and Chenab all end up in that combined stream, and UPSC credits the Sutlej as the river that joins the Indus directly.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong per UPSC: the Chenab takes in the Jhelum and Ravi but then meets the Sutlej before the Indus.
- (b) Wrong: the Jhelum is a tributary of the Chenab.
- (c) Wrong: the Ravi is a tributary of the Chenab.
- (d) Right per UPSC: the Sutlej is taken as the river that finally joins the Indus.
Worth knowing: Geographically the Jhelum and the Ravi join the Chenab, which then joins the Sutlej to form the Panjnad that meets the Indus, so which river counts as joining directly is widely disputed; UPSC's key is Sutlej.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.