NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the Mahanadi river:

It rises in the Trimbak plateau.
Fifty-three % of its drainage basin lies in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
It discharges its water into the Bay of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is
2 and 3 only
.

Explanation

The Mahanadi is a major east-flowing river of the Peninsular drainage system. It is known for its extensive catchment area covering Central and Eastern India.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Mahanadi rises near Sihawa in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. It is the Godavari river that rises in the Trimbakeshwar (Trimbak) plateau in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.

Statement 2 is Correct: The drainage basin of the Mahanadi is shared by Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. According to standard geographical data, approximately 53 % of its drainage basin lies in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, while the remaining 47 % lies in Odisha.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Mahanadi flows eastward through Odisha and forms a large delta before discharging its water into the Bay of Bengal.

Key Takeaway: The Mahanadi originates in the highlands of Chhattisgarh (Sihawa), not the Western Ghats (Trimbak), and its basin is primarily divided between Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Drainage systems

With reference to the drainage patterns observed in Indian river systems, consider the following statements: 1. The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as radial. 2. When rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or depression, the pattern is known as centripetal. 3. The trellis pattern is formed when primary tributaries flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right angles. 4. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range present a good example of centripetal drainage. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements about the Son river: 1. It is a large south bank tributary of the Ganga. 2. It flows through a flat terrain without forming any waterfalls. 3. It joins the Ganga west of Patna. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

hard

Which of the following are the right bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra in India? 1. Subansiri 2. Kameng 3. Manas 4. Burhi Dihing Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

Which of the following act as the water divide between the Arabian Sea drainage and the Bay of Bengal drainage? 1. Delhi Ridge 2. Aravalis 3. Sahyadris 4. Vindhyas Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

Keep practising Chapter 4: Drainage systems

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Geography chapters

The correct option is
2 and 3 only
.

Explanation

The Mahanadi is a major east-flowing river of the Peninsular drainage system. It is known for its extensive catchment area covering Central and Eastern India.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Mahanadi flows eastward through Odisha and forms a large delta before discharging its water into the Bay of Bengal.

Key Takeaway: The Mahanadi originates in the highlands of Chhattisgarh (Sihawa), not the Western Ghats (Trimbak), and its basin is primarily divided between Chhattisgarh and Odisha.