With reference to the river Kaveri, consider the following statements: 1. It rises in the Mahabaleshwar hills. 2. About 56 % of the Kaveri basin falls in Tamil Nadu. 3. The Bhavani and Amravati are its important tributaries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Kaveri (Cauvery) is one of the major east-flowing rivers of Peninsular India. It is sacred to the people of South India and is often referred to as the "Ganga of the South" (Dakshin Ganga). - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The River Kaveri rises in the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. It is the River Krishna that rises near Mahabaleshwar in the Sahyadri. - Statement 2 is Correct: The Kaveri basin extends over the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. According to standard geographical data, approximately 56 % of the basin area falls within Tamil Nadu, about 41 % in Karnataka, and roughly 3 % in Kerala. - Statement 3 is Correct: The river has several important tributaries. The Bhavani and Amravati are significant tributaries joining from the right bank. Other major tributaries include the Kabini, Hemavati, and Arkavathi. Key Takeaway: The Kaveri originates in the Brahmagiri hills (Karnataka), not Mahabaleshwar. Its basin is predominantly located in Tamil Nadu (56%) and Karnataka (41%), and its major tributaries include the Kabini, Bhavani, and Amravati.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

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With reference to the river Kaveri, consider the following statements:

It rises in the Mahabaleshwar hills.
About 56 % of the Kaveri basin falls in Tamil Nadu.
The Bhavani and Amravati are its important tributaries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Kaveri (Cauvery) is one of the major east-flowing rivers of Peninsular India. It is sacred to the people of South India and is often referred to as the "Ganga of the South" (Dakshin Ganga).

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The River Kaveri rises in the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. It is the River Krishna that rises near Mahabaleshwar in the Sahyadri.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Kaveri basin extends over the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. According to standard geographical data, approximately 56 % of the basin area falls within Tamil Nadu, about 41 % in Karnataka, and roughly 3 % in Kerala.
Statement 3 is Correct: The river has several important tributaries. The Bhavani and Amravati are significant tributaries joining from the right bank. Other major tributaries include the Kabini, Hemavati, and Arkavathi.

Key Takeaway: The Kaveri originates in the Brahmagiri hills (Karnataka), not Mahabaleshwar. Its basin is predominantly located in Tamil Nadu (56%) and Karnataka (41%), and its major tributaries include the Kabini, Bhavani, and Amravati.

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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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 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Kaveri (Cauvery) is one of the major east-flowing rivers of Peninsular India. It is sacred to the people of South India and is often referred to as the "Ganga of the South" (Dakshin Ganga).

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The River Kaveri rises in the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. It is the River Krishna that rises near Mahabaleshwar in the Sahyadri.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Kaveri basin extends over the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. According to standard geographical data, approximately 56 % of the basin area falls within Tamil Nadu, about 41 % in Karnataka, and roughly 3 % in Kerala.
Statement 3 is Correct: The river has several important tributaries. The Bhavani and Amravati are significant tributaries joining from the right bank. Other major tributaries include the Kabini, Hemavati, and Arkavathi.