NCERT Class 9 Geography — Chapter 3: Drainage

mcqeasy

In which Indian state does the Brahmaputra river enter India, where it is locally known as the Dihang?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ASikkim
BAssam
CMeghalaya
DArunachal Pradesh

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Arunachal Pradesh

Explanation

The Brahmaputra river system is one of the largest in the world, traversing three countries: China (Tibet), India, and Bangladesh. Its nomenclature changes significantly across different regions based on local geography and culture.

Detailed Analysis:

Origin and Tibet Course: The river originates from the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake. In Tibet, it flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas and is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo.
Entry into India: On reaching Namcha Barwa (7,757 m), the river takes a sharp U-turn and enters India in Arunachal Pradesh through a deep gorge. Here, it is locally known as the Siang or Dihang.
Course in Assam: Flowing southwest, it is joined by two major tributaries, the Dibang (or Sikang) and the Lohit. From this confluence onwards, as it enters the Assam valley, it is known as the Brahmaputra.
Other States:
- Sikkim: The Teesta river flows through Sikkim and joins the Brahmaputra later in Bangladesh, but the main channel of the Brahmaputra does not pass through Sikkim.
- Meghalaya: The river flows to the north of Meghalaya (in the Assam plains) but does not flow through the state itself.

Key Takeaway: The Brahmaputra is known as the Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang/Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, the Brahmaputra in Assam, and the Jamuna in Bangladesh.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Drainage

With reference to the Brahmaputra River System, consider the following statements: 1. It rises in Tibet east of Mansarowar lake. 2. On reaching the Namcha Barwa, it takes a ‘U’ turn and enters India in Sikkim. 3. In Tibet, the river carries a large volume of water and silt due to the cold and dry conditions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Indus River System: 1. The river Indus rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarowar. 2. It enters India in the state of Himachal Pradesh. 3. The Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab, and the Jhelum join together to enter the Indus near Karachi in Pakistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the Ganga River System, consider the following statements: 1. The headwaters of the Ganga, called the ‘Bhagirathi’, is fed by the Gangotri Glacier. 2. At Varanasi, the Ganga emerges from the mountains on to the plains. 3. The Yamuna flows perpendicular to the Ganga and meets it at Patna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following pairs of rivers and their descriptions: Pair | Description 1. Narmada | Flows in a rift valley formed due to faulting 2. Tapi | Rises in the Satpura ranges in the Betul district 3. Godavari | Its drainage basin is the largest among the peninsular rivers 4. Mahanadi | Rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

easy

Which of the following rivers is NOT a tributary of the Godavari?

easy

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The correct option is

Arunachal Pradesh

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Origin and Tibet Course: The river originates from the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake. In Tibet, it flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas and is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo.
Entry into India: On reaching Namcha Barwa (7,757 m), the river takes a sharp U-turn and enters India in Arunachal Pradesh through a deep gorge. Here, it is locally known as the Siang or Dihang.
Course in Assam: Flowing southwest, it is joined by two major tributaries, the Dibang (or Sikang) and the Lohit. From this confluence onwards, as it enters the Assam valley, it is known as the Brahmaputra.
Other States:
- Sikkim: The Teesta river flows through Sikkim and joins the Brahmaputra later in Bangladesh, but the main channel of the Brahmaputra does not pass through Sikkim.
- Meghalaya: The river flows to the north of Meghalaya (in the Assam plains) but does not flow through the state itself.

Key Takeaway: The Brahmaputra is known as the Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang/Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, the Brahmaputra in Assam, and the Jamuna in Bangladesh.