NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

mcqeasy

Which of the following rivers is formed by the confluence of the Kaligandak and Trishulganga?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe Ghaghara
BThe Kosi
CThe Sarda
DThe Gandak

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is The Gandak.

Explanation

The Gandak is a significant left-bank tributary of the Ganga, originating in the Nepal Himalayas and draining the central region of Nepal.

River Formation and Course:

The Gandak river system comprises two main headstreams: the Kaligandak and the Trishulganga.
These streams originate in the high Himalayas between Dhaulagiri and Mount Everest.
They merge at Triveni Ghat in the Himalayan foothills. After this confluence, the river is known as the Narayani in Nepal.
It enters the Indian plains in the Champaran district of Bihar, where it is referred to as the Gandak. It ultimately joins the Ganga at Sonpur, near Patna.

Comparison with Other Options:

The Kosi: It is an antecedent river with its main stream being the Arun, joined by the Sun Kosi and Tamur.
The Ghaghara: It originates near the Gurla Mandhata peak and collects waters from tributaries like the Tila, Seti, and Bheri.
The Sarda: Also known as the Saryu or Kali, it rises in the Milam glacier in the Nepal Himalayas.

Key Takeaway: The Gandak River is formed by the confluence of the Kaligandak and the Trishulganga.

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

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The correct option is The Gandak.

Explanation

The Gandak is a significant left-bank tributary of the Ganga, originating in the Nepal Himalayas and draining the central region of Nepal.

River Formation and Course:

The Gandak river system comprises two main headstreams: the Kaligandak and the Trishulganga.
These streams originate in the high Himalayas between Dhaulagiri and Mount Everest.
They merge at Triveni Ghat in the Himalayan foothills. After this confluence, the river is known as the Narayani in Nepal.
It enters the Indian plains in the Champaran district of Bihar, where it is referred to as the Gandak. It ultimately joins the Ganga at Sonpur, near Patna.

Comparison with Other Options:

The Kosi: It is an antecedent river with its main stream being the Arun, joined by the Sun Kosi and Tamur.
The Ghaghara: It originates near the Gurla Mandhata peak and collects waters from tributaries like the Tila, Seti, and Bheri.
The Sarda: Also known as the Saryu or Kali, it rises in the Milam glacier in the Nepal Himalayas.

Key Takeaway: The Gandak River is formed by the confluence of the Kaligandak and the Trishulganga.