UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I
Question 13: History and Culture
Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched ?
| 1 | Vitasta | Chenab |
| 2 | Asikni | Jhelum |
| 3 | Parushni | Ravi |
| 4 | Yavyavati | Beas |
Select the answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Vitasta is the Jhelum, Asikni the Chenab, Parushni the Ravi (also called Iravati), Vipasa the Beas and Shutudri the Sutlej. Only pair 3 is correct. Pair 1 gives Vitasta as the Chenab, pair 2 gives Asikni as the Jhelum, and Yavyavati in pair 4 is not the Beas, which was Vipasa. Memorise the five rivers of Punjab in order: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.
- 1. Vitasta is the Jhelum, not the Chenab.
- 2. Asikni is the Chenab, not the Jhelum.
- 3. Parushni is the Ravi.
- 4. The Beas is Vipasa; Yavyavati is not the Beas.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: Vitasta is the Jhelum and Asikni is the Chenab, so both pairs are mismatched.
- (b) Wrong: pair 4 is wrong, since the Beas is Vipasa.
- (c) Right: only Parushni = Ravi is correct.
- (d) Wrong: Yavyavati is not the Beas.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.