Important Rivers & Lakes in India: 25 MCQs for JKSSB & Competitive Exams
Master key facts about India’s major rivers and lakes with this curated set of multiple-choice questions. Ideal for JKSSB and other competitive exam preparation.
Q1. Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”?
Explanation: The Kosi River frequently changes its course, causing massive flooding in Bihar, which earns it this nickname.
Q2. Which river originates from the Amarkantak plateau and flows into the Bay of Bengal?
Explanation: The Mahanadi rises in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, and empties into the Bay of Bengal via Odisha.
Q3. Which is the largest freshwater lake in India?
Explanation: Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is the largest freshwater lake in India by surface area.
Q4. Which river is called the “Lifeline of Gujarat”?
Explanation: The Narmada River provides crucial water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower to large parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Q5. Which river and tributary pair is correctly matched?
Explanation: The Bhima River is a major tributary of the Krishna River, joining it in Karnataka.
Q6. In which state/UT is Dal Lake located?
Explanation: Dal Lake, famous for its houseboats and shikaras, is in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
Q7. Which river forms the famous “Valley of Flowers” in Uttarakhand?
Explanation: The Pushpawati River flows through the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Q8. Where is Sambhar Lake, India’s largest inland saltwater lake, located?
Explanation: Sambhar Lake is near Jaipur, Rajasthan, and is a major source of salt production.
Q9. Which river is called “Dakshin Ganga”?
Explanation: Godavari, the second longest river in India, is often called Dakshin Ganga (Ganges of the South).
Q10. Which lake is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race?
Explanation: The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held annually on Punnamada Lake, part of Vembanad Lake in Kerala.
Q11. Which river originates from Lake Mansarovar in Tibet and enters India through Arunachal Pradesh?
Explanation: The Brahmaputra (Tsangpo in Tibet) originates near Lake Mansarovar and enters India via Arunachal Pradesh.
Q12. Which of the following lakes is a lagoon?
Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world.
Q13. Which river is called the “Yellow River of India” due to its high silt load?
Explanation: The Kosi carries enormous sediment, giving its water a yellowish hue and earning this nickname.
Q14. Which lake is famous for its floating phumdis and is located inside a national park?
Explanation: Loktak Lake in Manipur contains unique floating vegetation masses called phumdis and lies within Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Q15. Which river forms the world’s largest river island, Majuli?
Explanation: Majuli, situated in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is the largest river island on Earth.
Q16. Which river does NOT flow into the Bay of Bengal?
Explanation: The Tapti (Tapi) River flows westward and empties into the Arabian Sea.
Q17. The “Lake Palace” is situated in which lake?
Explanation: The Lake Palace, now a heritage hotel, is located on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Q18. Which river is also known as “Vridha Ganga”?
Explanation: Godavari is called Vridha Ganga (Old Ganges) due to its large size and cultural importance in the Deccan plateau.
Q19. Which lake is the source of the River Luni?
Explanation: The Luni River originates in the Aravalli Hills near Ajmer, not from a lake.
Q20. The famous “Hogenakkal Falls” are on which river?
Explanation: Hogenakkal Falls, often called the “Niagara of India,” are on the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu.
Q21. Which lake is known as the “Jewel of Kashmir”?
Explanation: Dal Lake, with its scenic beauty, houseboats, and Mughal gardens, is often called the Jewel of Kashmir.
Q22. Which river forms the boundary between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh for a stretch?
Explanation: The Chambal River serves as a natural boundary between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in its middle course.
Q23. Which lake and state pair is correctly matched?
Explanation: Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India and is located in Kerala.
Q24. Which river is called the “Sorrow of Assam” due to frequent flooding?
Explanation: The Brahmaputra causes devastating floods almost every year in Assam, earning this local name.
Q25. Which lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in India?
Explanation
