NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

mcqeasy

Which one of the following rivers is not part of the 'Panjnad' as defined in the Indus river system context?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe Ravi
BThe Satluj
CThe Indus
DThe Jhelum

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is The Indus.

Explanation

The term 'Panjnad' (derived from Panj meaning five and Nad meaning river) refers to the collective waters of the five major eastern tributaries of the Indus River system. These rivers flow through the Punjab region and eventually merge into a single channel before joining the main Indus River.

Detailed Analysis

Composition of Panjnad: The five rivers that constitute the Panjnad are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj.
Confluence Pattern: These rivers join each other at various points (e.g., Satluj and Beas meet at Harike; Jhelum and Ravi join the Chenab). Eventually, the combined waters form the Panjnad River.
Exclusion of the Indus: The Panjnad River flows into the Indus River near Mithankot in Pakistan. Therefore, the Indus is the main recipient river of the system and is not classified as one of the five tributaries comprising the Panjnad.

Key Takeaway: The Panjnad consists strictly of the five tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj. The Indus is the primary river into which the Panjnad drains.

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 Indus.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis

Composition of Panjnad: The five rivers that constitute the Panjnad are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj.
Confluence Pattern: These rivers join each other at various points (e.g., Satluj and Beas meet at Harike; Jhelum and Ravi join the Chenab). Eventually, the combined waters form the Panjnad River.
Exclusion of the Indus: The Panjnad River flows into the Indus River near Mithankot in Pakistan. Therefore, the Indus is the main recipient river of the system and is not classified as one of the five tributaries comprising the Panjnad.

Key Takeaway: The Panjnad consists strictly of the five tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj. The Indus is the primary river into which the Panjnad drains.