UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 2
Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information:
- It has an antecedent drainage system.
- It flows through three countries.
- It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.
- It does not form distributaries.
Select the answer from the following:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: The Sutlej rises in Tibet, cuts through Himalayan ranges and flows toward the Indus system; it is a major irrigation river.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - The Brahmaputra flows through Tibet, India and Bangladesh but forms extensive braided channels and distributaries in its lower course.
B: Incorrect - The Indus is also an antecedent transboundary river, so the clues do not uniquely exclude it without more precise wording.
C: Correct - The Sutlej is the intended antecedent Tibetan-origin river that crosses into India and then Pakistan and supports extensive canal irrigation.
D: Incorrect - The Teesta originates in the eastern Himalaya and flows to Bangladesh; it does not fit the Tibetan-plateau/three-country clue.
Review note: Potentially ambiguous: the Indus is also Tibetan-origin, antecedent, crosses three countries and is used for irrigation; the clue about distributaries needs a clear definition and source.