With reference to the Himalayan rivers, consider the following statements: 1. They perform intensive erosional activity in their upper courses. 2. In the middle and lower courses, they are devoid of any depositional features. 3. They have well-developed deltas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only Explanation The Himalayan drainage system consists of long, perennial rivers fed by both melting snow and precipitation. These rivers pass through distinct stages of development-upper (mountainous), middle (plains), and lower (deltaic)-each characterized by specific geomorphic processes and landforms. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: In the upper course, the rivers flow through steep mountainous terrain. Due to the steep gradient and high velocity, they perform intensive vertical erosion, creating deep V-shaped valleys, gorges, and waterfalls. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: In the middle and lower courses, the rivers enter the plains where the slope is gentle. Here, the velocity decreases, and the rivers engage in lateral erosion and significant deposition. They form numerous depositional features such as meanders, oxbow lakes, floodplains, and braided channels. They are not devoid of depositional features. - Statement 3 is Correct: Himalayan rivers carry a massive load of sediments and silt due to extensive erosion in the upper reaches. As they approach the sea, the flow becomes sluggish, leading to the deposition of this sediment load, resulting in well-developed deltas (e.g., the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta). Key Takeaway: Himalayan rivers exhibit a youthful stage in the mountains (erosion) and mature/old stages in the plains (deposition), culminating in the formation of large deltas at their mouths.

NCERT Class 9 Geography — Chapter 3: Drainage

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With reference to the Himalayan rivers, consider the following statements:

They perform intensive erosional activity in their upper courses.
In the middle and lower courses, they are devoid of any depositional features.
They have well-developed deltas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The Himalayan drainage system consists of long, perennial rivers fed by both melting snow and precipitation. These rivers pass through distinct stages of development-upper (mountainous), middle (plains), and lower (deltaic)-each characterized by specific geomorphic processes and landforms.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: In the upper course, the rivers flow through steep mountainous terrain. Due to the steep gradient and high velocity, they perform intensive vertical erosion, creating deep V-shaped valleys, gorges, and waterfalls.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In the middle and lower courses, the rivers enter the plains where the slope is gentle. Here, the velocity decreases, and the rivers engage in lateral erosion and significant deposition. They form numerous depositional features such as meanders, oxbow lakes, floodplains, and braided channels. They are not devoid of depositional features.
Statement 3 is Correct: Himalayan rivers carry a massive load of sediments and silt due to extensive erosion in the upper reaches. As they approach the sea, the flow becomes sluggish, leading to the deposition of this sediment load, resulting in well-developed deltas (e.g., the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta).

Key Takeaway:
Himalayan rivers exhibit a youthful stage in the mountains (erosion) and mature/old stages in the plains (deposition), culminating in the formation of large deltas at their mouths.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Drainage

With reference to the Brahmaputra River System, consider the following statements: 1. It rises in Tibet east of Mansarowar lake. 2. On reaching the Namcha Barwa, it takes a ‘U’ turn and enters India in Sikkim. 3. In Tibet, the river carries a large volume of water and silt due to the cold and dry conditions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Indus River System: 1. The river Indus rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarowar. 2. It enters India in the state of Himachal Pradesh. 3. The Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab, and the Jhelum join together to enter the Indus near Karachi in Pakistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Ganga River System, consider the following statements: 1. The headwaters of the Ganga, called the ‘Bhagirathi’, is fed by the Gangotri Glacier. 2. At Varanasi, the Ganga emerges from the mountains on to the plains. 3. The Yamuna flows perpendicular to the Ganga and meets it at Patna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following pairs of rivers and their descriptions: Pair | Description 1. Narmada | Flows in a rift valley formed due to faulting 2. Tapi | Rises in the Satpura ranges in the Betul district 3. Godavari | Its drainage basin is the largest among the peninsular rivers 4. Mahanadi | Rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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Which of the following rivers is NOT a tributary of the Godavari?

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The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: In the upper course, the rivers flow through steep mountainous terrain. Due to the steep gradient and high velocity, they perform intensive vertical erosion, creating deep V-shaped valleys, gorges, and waterfalls.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In the middle and lower courses, the rivers enter the plains where the slope is gentle. Here, the velocity decreases, and the rivers engage in lateral erosion and significant deposition. They form numerous depositional features such as meanders, oxbow lakes, floodplains, and braided channels. They are not devoid of depositional features.
Statement 3 is Correct: Himalayan rivers carry a massive load of sediments and silt due to extensive erosion in the upper reaches. As they approach the sea, the flow becomes sluggish, leading to the deposition of this sediment load, resulting in well-developed deltas (e.g., the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta).

Key Takeaway:
Himalayan rivers exhibit a youthful stage in the mountains (erosion) and mature/old stages in the plains (deposition), culminating in the formation of large deltas at their mouths.