Indian Rivers for Competitive Exams: Yamuna, Godavari & Sabarmati Complete Guide
.jpg "Godavari River, Yamuna River & Sabarmati River: Origin, Dams, Source, Tributaries and Facts")
The Godavari River System, including its origin, course, and tributaries, is the largest river system in Peninsular India. Topics such as Godavari River tributaries and comparisons with the Yamuna River origin are commonly asked in objective exams. Similarly, questions related to the route of Yamuna River, length of Yamuna River, end of Yamuna River, and Yamuna River flows through which states form a core part of river-based MCQs. The Yamuna’s religious, historical, and environmental importance further increases its exam relevance.
The Sabarmati River is a major west-flowing river, closely associated with Ahmedabad and the Sabarmati River Front. Competitive exams often include questions on Sabarmati River: origin, tributaries, basin, dams, along with Sabarmati River map start to end and Sabarmati River in India map. This blog provides MCQs, concise notes, maps, and factual details on the Yamuna, Godavari, and Sabarmati rivers to help aspirants revise efficiently and perform better in exams.
Godavari River System Explained: Origin, Course, Tributaries with MCQs
The Godavari River flows through the Indian states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, covering regions of western and southern India. It originates in the Brahmagiri hills near Tryambakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra at an elevation of about 920 metres above sea level. From its source, the river travels eastward and finally merges with the Bay of Bengal near Antarvedi in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
With a total length of approximately 1,465 kilometres, the Godavari is the second-longest river in India, following the Ganga. Its drainage basin spans around 312,812 square kilometres, making it one of the largest river basins in the country. Among rivers of peninsular India, the Godavari ranks first in terms of length, basin area, and water discharge, earning it the traditional title of Vridha Ganga.
The river system drains nearly half of its basin area in Maharashtra, while the remaining portions extend across Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. Over the centuries, the Godavari has held immense religious significance in Hindu traditions and has played a vital role in shaping the cultural life of the regions along its banks.
In recent times, several dams and barrages have been constructed across the river to regulate water flow and storage. The fertile delta formed by the Godavari supports a high population density, almost double the national average. However, this densely populated delta region remains vulnerable to flooding, a risk that may increase further due to rising sea levels associated with global climate change.
Godavari River System – Tributaries
The Godavari River System consists of an extensive network of tributaries that together form the largest drainage basin in Peninsular India. The basin is dominated by left-bank tributaries, which account for nearly 59.7% of the total catchment area, while right-bank tributaries contribute about 16.14%.
Major Tributary: Pranahita
➣ The Pranahita is the largest tributary of the Godavari, draining nearly 34% of the basin area.Seven Mouths of the Godavari (Sapta Godavari)
The seven branches are:
- Tulyabhaga (Kasyapa)
- Atreya (Atri)
- Gautami (Gautama)
- Vá¹›ddhagautami (earlier Jamadagni)
- Bhardvaja (Bharadvaja)
- Kausika (Visvamitra)
- Vasishtha
Right Bank Tributaries of the Godavari
Right-bank tributaries are fewer in number but play an important role in regional drainage.
Manjra River
- Flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
- Originates in the Balaghat Range near Ahmednagar (Maharashtra).
- Joins the Godavari near the Maharashtra–Telangana border.
- Hosts the Nizam Sagar Reservoir.
- Upper stretches have experienced environmental degradation, increasing erosion and runoff.
Pravara River
➣ The smallest major tributary of the Godavari.Left Bank Tributaries of the Godavari
Left-bank tributaries are larger, longer, and more numerous, forming the backbone of the Godavari basin.
Penganga (Painganga) River
➣ Originates in the Ajanta Range in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.Wainganga River
➣ Rises in the Mahadeo Hills near Gopalganj, Madhya Pradesh.Wardha River
➣ Originates in the Satpura Range.➣ Originates from Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district, Odisha.
Godavari River – One-Liner Notes (Tributaries)
⦾ The Godavari has a vast and complex tributary system, earning it the title “Dakshina Ganga.”
⦾ Pravara, Purna, Manjra, Pranahita, Indravati, and Sabari are the major tributaries of the Godavari.
⦾ Pranahita is the largest tributary of the Godavari and is formed by the Wainganga, Wardha, and Penganga rivers.
⦾ Left bank tributaries of the Godavari include Purna, Pranahita, Indravati, and Sabari.
⦾ Right bank tributaries of the Godavari are Pravara, Manjra, and Maner.
⦾ The left bank tributaries drain the maximum area of the Godavari basin.
⦾ The extensive tributary network makes the Godavari the largest river system in Peninsular India.
Yamuna River: Origin, Route, Length, End & States Flowing Through
The Yamuna River, also known as Jamna or Jumna, is the longest tributary of the Ganga and one of the most important rivers of northern India. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier near Saptrishi Kund on the southwestern slopes of the Banderpooch mountain range in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of about 3,293 metres above sea level.
From its Himalayan source, the Yamuna flows for nearly 1,376 kilometres before joining the Ganga at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, a sacred confluence famous for hosting the Kumbh Mela. The river drains a vast basin covering approximately 366,223 square kilometres, accounting for more than two-fifths of the total Ganga basin.
During its course, the Yamuna passes through or alongside several states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Important cities situated along its banks include Yamuna Nagar, Delhi, Faridabad, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, and Prayagraj. The river receives water from many tributaries, of which the Chambal is the largest, followed by the Tons, Sindh, Betwa, and Ken rivers.
The Yamuna plays a crucial role in forming the fertile Yamuna–Ganga Doab, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Nearly 57 million people depend directly on its waters for domestic use, irrigation, and industry. A significant share of Delhi’s water supply—over 70 percent—comes from this river. While the Yamuna carries an annual flow of roughly 10,000 billion cubic metres, a large portion of this water is diverted, mainly for irrigation purposes.
In Hindu tradition, the Yamuna is regarded as a sacred river and is personified as the daughter of Surya, the Sun God, and the sister of Yama, the God of Death. Bathing in its waters is believed to purify the soul and free devotees from the fear of death.
At the Hathni Kund Barrage, the river’s flow is divided into the Western and Eastern Yamuna Canals, supplying water to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh respectively. Downstream of this point, the river receives limited natural inflow and becomes heavily affected by pollution, especially after entering the National Capital Region. While its water quality remains relatively good from Yamunotri to the Wazirabad Barrage in Delhi, untreated wastewater from numerous drains between Wazirabad and Okhla Barrage severely degrades the river.
Pollution in the Yamuna is mainly caused by domestic sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff containing chemicals, and soil erosion linked to deforestation. Due to these factors, certain stretches of the river have been described by officials as heavily contaminated. The section from Yamunotri to the Okhla Barrage is commonly referred to as the Upper Yamuna.
Tributaries of the Yamuna River System
The Yamuna River System is supported by several important tributaries originating from the Himalayas, Vindhya Range, Aravalli Range, and Central Indian plateaus. These tributaries play a vital role in maintaining the river’s flow, irrigation potential, and regional ecology.
Tons River
➣ The Tons River is the largest and longest tributary of the Yamuna.Tons is a perennial Himalayan river, contributing significant water to the Yamuna.
Giri River
➣ The Giri River is an important tributary flowing through southeastern Himachal Pradesh.Hindon River
➣The Hindon River rises from the Upper Shivalik Range (Lower Himalayas).Chambal River
➣The Chambal River, also known as Charmanwati, originates from the Janapao Hills on the southern slopes of the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh.Major Dams on the Chambal River (South to North):
- Gandhi Sagar Dam
- Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
- Jawahar Sagar Dam
- Kota Barrage
Banas River
➣The Banas River, also called “Van Ki Asha” (Hope of the Forest), originates in the Aravalli Range.Kali Sindh River
➣The Kali Sindh River flows through the Malwa Plateau of Madhya Pradesh.Sindh River
➣The Sindh River originates from the Malwa Plateau in Vidisha district, Madhya Pradesh.Betwa River
➣The Betwa River, also known as Vetravati, rises in the Vindhya Range near Hoshangabad (MP).Ken River
➣The Ken River originates from the Kaimur Range in Madhya Pradesh.
Sabarmati River: Origin, Tributaries, Basin, Dams
The Sabarmati River is an important westward-flowing river of India, flowing mainly through the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It rises in the Aravalli mountain range in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan at an elevation of about 782 metres above sea level. From its origin, the river follows a south-westerly course for nearly 371 kilometres before emptying into the Gulf of Khambhat along the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat.
Of its total length, around 48 kilometres lie within Rajasthan, while the remaining 323 kilometres flow through Gujarat. The river basin covers approximately 30,680 square kilometres, with a smaller portion located in Rajasthan and the larger share extending across Gujarat. The Sabarmati basin falls largely within a semi-arid climatic region, receiving annual rainfall that generally ranges between 450 and 800 millimetres.
As it flows downstream, the Sabarmati passes through three distinct physical landscapes: the rocky uplands near its source, the fertile alluvial plains in the middle reaches, and the estuarine zone close to its mouth. Several tributaries contribute to its flow, the major ones being the Watrak, Wakal, Hathmati, Harnav, and Sei rivers. Important cities such as Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are situated along its banks.
Water availability in the Sabarmati basin is relatively low compared to the national average, with per capita availability estimated at about 308 cubic metres per year. The river is largely seasonal in nature, with most of its discharge occurring during the monsoon months and very limited flow after the rainy season. Records from Ahmedabad during 1968–1979 show an average discharge of about 33 cubic metres per second.
Historically, the most severe flooding of the Sabarmati occurred in August 1973, when exceptionally heavy rainfall caused the river to reach a peak discharge of approximately 14,150 cubic metres per second at Dharoi.
One Liner Notes of River for Comeptitive Exmas
Godavari River – One-Liners
⦾ Godavari is the second longest river in India after the Ganga.
⦾ It originates from the Brahmagiri hills near Tryambakeshwar, Maharashtra.
⦾ The Godavari flows eastward and drains into the Bay of Bengal.
⦾ It flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
⦾ Godavari has the largest river basin in Peninsular India.
⦾ It is popularly known as the “Vridha Ganga”.
⦾ The Godavari basin covers about 312,812 sq km.
⦾ Its fertile delta has a very high population density and is flood-prone.
Yamuna River – One-Liners
⦾ Yamuna is the longest tributary of the Ganga.
⦾ It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier near Saptrishi Kund, Uttarakhand.
⦾ Yamuna meets the Ganga at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj.
⦾ The river flows through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
⦾ Chambal is the largest tributary of the Yamuna.
⦾ Yamuna forms the fertile Yamuna–Ganga Doab region.
⦾ Over 70% of Delhi’s water supply comes from the Yamuna.
⦾ Yamuna is revered as the daughter of Surya and sister of Yama in Hindu mythology.
⦾ The stretch from Yamunotri to Okhla Barrage is called the Upper Yamuna.
Sabarmati River – One-Liners
⦾ Sabarmati is a major west-flowing river of India.
⦾ It originates in the Aravalli Range, Udaipur district of Rajasthan.
⦾ The river drains into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian Sea).
⦾ Sabarmati flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat.
⦾ Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are located on its banks.
⦾ The Sabarmati basin lies in a semi-arid climatic region.
⦾ Sabarmati is a seasonal, monsoon-fed river.
⦾ Watrak and Hathmati are important tributaries of the Sabarmati.
⦾ The 1973 flood was the largest recorded flood of the Sabarmati River.
MCQ on Yamuna River & Godavari River Questions and Answers | Origin, Course, Tributaries
MCQs on Godavari River
1. Which river of India is popularly known as the “Dakshin Ganga”?
a) Krishna
b) Narmada
c) Godavari
d) Kaveri
Answer: c) Godavari
Explanation: Godavari is called Dakshin Ganga because of its length, basin size, and cultural importance similar to the Ganga in South India.
2. The total length of the Godavari River is approximately:
a) 1,000 km
b) 1,300 km
c) 1,465 km
d) 1,800 km
Answer: c) 1,465 km
Explanation: Godavari is about 1,465 km long, making it the second-longest river in India.
3. From which Indian state does the Godavari River originate?
a) Karnataka
b) Telangana
c) Maharashtra
d) Odisha
Answer: c) Maharashtra
Explanation: The river rises near Tryambakeshwar in Nashik district of Maharashtra.
4. Which city is famously associated with the title “City of Godavari”?
a) Vijayawada
b) Rajahmundry
c) Warangal
d) Nashik
Answer: b) Rajahmundry
Explanation: Rajahmundry lies on the banks of the Godavari and is culturally linked with the river.
5. The Godavari delta is often called the ‘Rice Bowl’ of which state?
a) Telangana
b) Odisha
c) Maharashtra
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: d) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The fertile Godavari delta in Andhra Pradesh supports extensive rice cultivation.
6. The major tributary of the Godavari named after Lord Shiva is:
a) Indravati
b) Manjira
c) Pranhita
d) Sabari
Answer: b) Manjira
Explanation: The Manjira River is associated with Lord Shiva and is an important tributary of the Godavari.
7. How many Indian states are drained by the Godavari River system?
a) Three
b) Four
c) Five
d) Six
Answer: c) Five
Explanation: Godavari flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
8. The term “Vridha Ganga” used for the Godavari literally means:
a) Sacred Ganga
b) Old Ganga
c) Southern Ganga
d) Mighty Ganga
Answer: b) Old Ganga
Explanation: Vridha means old, signifying the ancient and revered status of the river.
9. Which famous waterfall is associated with the Godavari River?
a) Jog
b) Chitrakote
c) Someshwar
d) Dhuandhar
Answer: c) Someshwar
Explanation: Someshwar waterfalls are located on the Godavari River.
10. Which is the longest river entirely within Peninsular India?
a) Krishna
b) Kaveri
c) Godavari
d) Mahanadi
Answer: c) Godavari
Explanation: Godavari is the longest river in Peninsular India.
MCQs on Sabarmati River
11. The Sabarmati River finally drains into the:
a) Bay of Bengal
b) Arabian Sea
c) Indian Ocean
d) Gulf of Mannar
Answer: b) Arabian Sea
Explanation: Sabarmati empties into the Gulf of Khambhat, which is part of the Arabian Sea.
12. The approximate length of the Sabarmati River is:
a) 250 km
b) 370 km
c) 520 km
d) 700 km
Answer: b) 370 km
Explanation: The Sabarmati flows for about 371 km.
13. The Sabarmati River originates from the Aravalli Range in:
a) Gujarat
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Rajasthan
d) Maharashtra
Answer: c) Rajasthan
Explanation: The river rises in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan.
14. The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project is located in:
a) Surat
b) Vadodara
c) Ahmedabad
d) Rajkot
Answer: c) Ahmedabad
Explanation: The project was developed along the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.
MCQs on Yamuna River
15. What is the approximate length of the Yamuna River?
a) 900 km
b) 1,200 km
c) 1,376 km
d) 1,600 km
Answer: c) 1,376 km
Explanation: Yamuna flows for about 1,376 km before joining the Ganga.
16. The Yamuna River is the largest tributary of the:
a) Brahmaputra
b) Indus
c) Ganga
d) Godavari
Answer: c) Ganga
Explanation: Yamuna is the longest and most important tributary of the Ganga.
17. Which world-famous monument is situated on the banks of the Yamuna?
a) Red Fort
b) Taj Mahal
c) Qutub Minar
d) Hawa Mahal
Answer: b) Taj Mahal
Explanation: The Taj Mahal in Agra stands on the right bank of the Yamuna.
18. The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) was launched mainly to control:
a) Floods
b) River pollution
c) Soil erosion
d) Deforestation
Answer: b) River pollution
Explanation: YAP was launched in 1993 with Indo-Japanese cooperation to reduce pollution.
19. Which bird sanctuary is located on the Yamuna River near Delhi?
a) Sultanpur
b) Bharatpur
c) Okhla
d) Chilika
Answer: c) Okhla
Explanation: Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located near the Okhla Barrage on the Yamuna.
20. The longest tributary of the Yamuna River is:
a) Betwa
b) Ken
c) Chambal
d) Tons
Answer: c) Chambal
Explanation: Chambal is the largest and longest tributary of the Yamuna.
21. Which major historic battle was fought near the Yamuna River?
a) Battle of Buxar
b) Battle of Panipat
c) Battle of Plassey
d) Battle of Talikota
Answer: b) Battle of Panipat
Explanation: The Panipat battles were fought near the Yamuna basin.
22. Which river is known in Hindu mythology as the “Daughter of the Sun”?
a) Narmada
b) Yamuna
c) Tapi
d) Luni
Answer: b) Yamuna
Explanation: Yamuna is believed to be the daughter of Surya (Sun God).
23. Among the following rivers, which has the largest drainage basin?
a) Narmada
b) Yamuna
c) Tapi
d) Sabarmati
Answer: b) Yamuna
Explanation: Yamuna basin covers about 366,000 sq km, larger than the others listed.
24. Which of the following rivers is a major tributary of the Godavari River?
a) Watrak
b) Manjira
c) Ken
d) Ghaggar
Answer: b) Manjira
Explanation: Manjira is one of the important tributaries of the Godavari, flowing through Telangana and Maharashtra.
25. The Chambal River, an important tributary of the Yamuna, ultimately originates from the:
a) Vindhya Range
b) Satpura Range
c) Aravalli Range
d) Western Ghats
Answer: a) Vindhya Range
Explanation: The Chambal River rises from the Vindhya Range near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh and is the longest tributary of the Yamuna.
