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.