Geography, Rivers & Mountains — Set 15
MP GK · भूगोल, नदियां और पर्वत · Questions 141–150 of 160
The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak plateau and flows in which direction before emptying into the Arabian Sea?
Correct Answer: A. East to West
Unlike most peninsular rivers that flow eastward, the Narmada flows from east to west, originating from the Amarkantak plateau in Anuppur district of MP and draining into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian Sea) in Gujarat. This westward flow is due to the Narmada running through a rift valley between the Vindhya Range to the north and the Satpura Range to the south. The river flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat covering a total distance of about 1,312 km. The Narmada Valley Development Project involves several major dams including the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
At which location in Madhya Pradesh does the Narmada River originate, which is also a sacred pilgrimage site?
Correct Answer: B. Amarkantak
The Narmada River originates at Amarkantak in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, at an elevation of about 1,057 metres. Amarkantak is a sacred pilgrimage site where both the Narmada and the Son River originate, and where the Johila River also rises. The Kali Kuund (Narmada Kund) at Amarkantak is considered the birthplace of the sacred Narmada. It is a major religious center for Hindus and the Amarkantak temple complex attracts thousands of pilgrims annually.
The Son River, a major tributary of the Ganga, also originates near Amarkantak in MP. In which direction does the Son flow?
Correct Answer: C. Eastward to join the Ganga in Bihar
The Son River originates near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows eastward through MP and Chhattisgarh before entering Bihar where it joins the Ganga near Patna. This is in stark contrast to the Narmada, which also originates near Amarkantak but flows westward. The Son is one of the major right-bank tributaries of the Ganga and is about 784 km long. The Bansagar Dam, built on the Son River in MP, is an important irrigation and power project.
The Tapti (Tapi) River in Madhya Pradesh is a west-flowing river that originates in which district?
Correct Answer: B. Betul
The Tapti River originates in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh from the southern slopes of the Satpura Range at an elevation of about 752 metres. Like the Narmada, the Tapti also flows westward and drains into the Arabian Sea at Surat in Gujarat. The Tapti is about 724 km long and flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The river runs roughly parallel to the Narmada and is separated from it by the Satpura Range.
The Chambal River, a major river of MP, is famous for its ravines (badlands) and is a tributary of which river?
Correct Answer: C. Yamuna
The Chambal River is a major right-bank tributary of the Yamuna River and flows through Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh before joining the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. The Chambal originates from Janapav Hill near Mhow in MP and flows northward through the Chambal ravines or badlands that were historically infamous as the refuge of dacoits. The river forms the border between Rajasthan and MP for a long stretch. The Chambal Valley Development Project involves major dams like Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, and Jawahar Sagar.
The Ken River and Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna, are at the center of which major inter-linking project in MP?
Correct Answer: B. Ken-Betwa River Link Project
The Ken-Betwa River Link Project is India's first major river interlinking project, connecting the Ken River (in Panna district) to the Betwa River (in Tikamgarh district) through a 221 km canal. The project involves constructing the Daudhan Dam on the Ken River to transfer surplus water to the water-deficient Betwa basin. This project is meant to provide irrigation water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region of MP and UP. However, the project has faced environmental concerns as the canal passes through the Panna Tiger Reserve.
The Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh acts as a watershed separating rivers draining to which two water bodies?
Correct Answer: C. Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
The Vindhya Range serves as a major drainage divide in central India, with rivers on its northern slopes (like Chambal, Ken, Betwa) draining eastward into the Ganga-Yamuna system and eventually into the Bay of Bengal, while the Narmada on its southern edge flows westward into the Arabian Sea. The Vindhya Range runs east-west across central India, separating the Gangetic plains from the Deccan plateau. The range is generally lower and less continuous than the Satpura Range. The Vindhyas are ancient fold mountains and are composed mainly of sandstone and limestone.
The Satpura Range, running through the heart of Madhya Pradesh, reaches its highest point at which peak?
Correct Answer: A. Dhupgarh in Pachmarhi
Dhupgarh, located near Pachmarhi in the Mahadeo Hills section of the Satpura Range, is the highest peak of the Satpura Range at 1,350 metres above sea level. Pachmarhi itself is the highest point and the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, known as the Queen of Satpura. The Satpura Range runs roughly east-west parallel to the Narmada Valley and forms the southern boundary of the Narmada rift valley. The range is covered with dense forests and is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Madhya Pradesh shares its longest border with which neighboring state?
Correct Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh shares its longest border with Uttar Pradesh to the north and northeast. MP is bordered by five states: Uttar Pradesh to the north, Chhattisgarh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the west, and Rajasthan to the northwest. MP is a completely landlocked state with no coastline. The state's diverse borders have historically made it a crossroads of cultures and trade routes in central India.
The Betwa River, often called the 'Vrindavan of Bundelkhand', originates near which city in Madhya Pradesh?
Correct Answer: B. Bhopal
The Betwa River originates from the Vindhya Range near Bhopal in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh and flows northeastward through the Bundelkhand region before joining the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. The Betwa flows through several historically important cities including Vidisha, Sanchi, and Orchha. The river is about 590 km long and is important for the irrigation of the Bundelkhand region. The Ken-Betwa River Link Project aims to transfer water from the water-surplus Ken River to the water-deficit Betwa River.