Question 84 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Geography

Question

With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus directly?

A

Chenab

B

Jhelum

C

Ravi

D

Sutlej

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Chenab

Strategy: Analyze the river system's confluence hierarchy to identify the main trunk river that receives other tributaries before joining the Indus. The focus is on which river directly collects water from others, such as Jhelum and Ravi, before its own confluence with the Indus.

Key Info: The Indus river system is foundational to the hydrology of northwestern India and Pakistan. Its principal tributaries are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—collectively known as the 'Punjab' rivers.

**Principal Tributaries:**
*   **Jhelum:** Originates at Verinag in the Kashmir Valley and flows into Pakistan, joining the Chenab near Jhang.
*   **Ravi:** Originates in Himachal Pradesh, flowing westwards and joins Chenab near Ahmadpur Sial in Pakistan.
*   **Beas:** Rises in Himachal Pradesh and merges with Sutlej at Harike in Punjab.
*   **Sutlej:** Originates at Rakshastal near Mansarovar in Tibet, passes through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and enters Pakistan, where it is later joined by the Beas.
*   **Chenab:** Formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Himachal Pradesh. After entering Pakistan, Jhelum and Ravi join Chenab before it merges with the Indus at Trimmu (near Mithankot).

**Hydrological Order:**
*   Jhelum → Chenab
*   Ravi → Chenab
*   Beas → Sutlej
*   Chenab (after receiving Jhelum and Ravi) → Indus directly
*   Sutlej (after joining Beas) meets Chenab at Panjnad before joining Indus

Within the given set, Chenab is the river joining the Indus directly after collecting the waters of Jhelum and Ravi. The Panjnad is formed by the confluence of the Sutlej and Chenab, but it is the Chenab's flow that meets the Indus, establishing Chenab as the direct tributary.

Answer

Option B: Jhelum

Answer

Option C: Ravi

Answer

Option D: Sutlej