NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

mcqmedium

Which of the following rivers is the last left bank tributary of the Ganga in West Bengal?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe Damodar
BThe Kosi
CThe Mahananda
DThe Tista

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is The Mahananda.

Explanation

The Ganga river system is fed by numerous tributaries from the Himalayas (left bank) and the Peninsular plateau (right bank). Understanding the east-west sequence of these tributaries is essential for mapping the drainage system.

Detailed Analysis:

The Mahananda: It rises in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal. It flows southwards and joins the Ganga on its left bank. It is the last major left-bank tributary of the Ganga in West Bengal before the main river enters Bangladesh (where it is known as the Padma).
The Damodar: It rises in the Chotanagpur Plateau and flows through a rift valley. It joins the Hooghly (a distributary of the Ganga) on its right bank, south of Kolkata. It is not a left-bank tributary of the main Ganga.
The Kosi: It is a major left-bank tributary that rises in Tibet. However, it joins the Ganga in Bihar, which is located upstream relative to the confluence of the Mahananda.
The Tista: It rises in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal, but it is a tributary of the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) in Bangladesh, not the Ganga.

Key Takeaway: The Mahananda is the easternmost and the last left-bank tributary of the Ganga river system within Indian territory.

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 The Mahananda.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

The Mahananda: It rises in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal. It flows southwards and joins the Ganga on its left bank. It is the last major left-bank tributary of the Ganga in West Bengal before the main river enters Bangladesh (where it is known as the Padma).
The Damodar: It rises in the Chotanagpur Plateau and flows through a rift valley. It joins the Hooghly (a distributary of the Ganga) on its right bank, south of Kolkata. It is not a left-bank tributary of the main Ganga.
The Kosi: It is a major left-bank tributary that rises in Tibet. However, it joins the Ganga in Bihar, which is located upstream relative to the confluence of the Mahananda.
The Tista: It rises in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal, but it is a tributary of the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) in Bangladesh, not the Ganga.

Key Takeaway: The Mahananda is the easternmost and the last left-bank tributary of the Ganga river system within Indian territory.