NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

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Which of the following rivers joins the Ganga on its right bank?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe Gomati
BThe Ghaghara
CThe Gandak
DThe Son

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is The Son.

Explanation

The Ganga river system is fed by tributaries from two main sources: the Himalayas in the north and the Peninsular uplands in the south. The direction of flow of the Ganga is generally from west to east; therefore, tributaries joining from the north are Left Bank tributaries, and those joining from the south are Right Bank tributaries.

Option Analysis:

The Gomati The Gomati: This river originates from Gomat Taal (Fulhar Jheel) in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. It is a left bank tributary of the Ganga.
The Ghaghara The Ghaghara: Originating near the Gurla Mandhata peak in Tibet, the Ghaghara joins the Ganga on its left bank near Chhapra, Bihar.
The Son The Son: The Son River originates from the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh. It flows northwards and joins the Ganga on its right bank just west of Patna. It is a major tributary from the Peninsular plateau.
The Gandak The Gandak: Rising in the Nepal Himalayas between Dhaulagiri and Mount Everest, the Gandak joins the Ganga on its left bank at Sonpur near Patna.

Key Takeaway:

The major right bank tributaries of the Ganga are the Yamuna and the Son. The major left bank tributaries include the Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi.

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?

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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?

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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:

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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:

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The correct option is The Son.

Explanation

Option Analysis:

The Gomati The Gomati: This river originates from Gomat Taal (Fulhar Jheel) in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. It is a left bank tributary of the Ganga.
The Ghaghara The Ghaghara: Originating near the Gurla Mandhata peak in Tibet, the Ghaghara joins the Ganga on its left bank near Chhapra, Bihar.
The Son The Son: The Son River originates from the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh. It flows northwards and joins the Ganga on its right bank just west of Patna. It is a major tributary from the Peninsular plateau.
The Gandak The Gandak: Rising in the Nepal Himalayas between Dhaulagiri and Mount Everest, the Gandak joins the Ganga on its left bank at Sonpur near Patna.

Key Takeaway:

The major right bank tributaries of the Ganga are the Yamuna and the Son. The major left bank tributaries include the Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi.