Q1. Which of the following drainage systems encompasses the largest geographical area of Rajasthan?
Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
48 RAS Prelims MCQs on the rivers and lakes of Rajasthan cover the drainage systems and individual rivers. The Banas, Luni, Gambhir, Banganga, Kakni and Ruparel are asked with their origin, course and dams, and the explanations show why most of the State has inland drainage.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 48 questions
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the river systems of Rajasthan:
Explanation
The Aravalli Range serves as a significant topographical barrier and water divide in Rajasthan. It splits the drainage system into two major parts: the Arabian Sea drainage and the Bay of Bengal drainage. Rivers originating from the eastern slopes eventually join the Yamuna or Ganges, while western-slope rivers flow toward the desert or the Arabian Sea.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the internal drainage system of Rajasthan:
I. It accounts for approximately 60% of the total drainage area of the state.
II. Rivers in this system do not reach any ocean or major sea.
III. The Kantli and Kakni are prominent rivers belonging to this system.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. It accounts for approximately 60% of the total drainage area of the state.
II. Rivers in this system do not reach any ocean or major sea.
III. The Kantli and Kakni are prominent rivers belonging to this system.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan’s internal drainage system characterizes the majority of the state’s hydrological profile, covering nearly sixty percent of its land. These seasonal rivers, including the Kantli, Kakni, and Ghaggar, lack enough volume to reach oceanic bodies. They terminate within the desert terrain or seasonal lakes, making them distinct components of the unique geographical and climatic conditions found in northern India.
Q4. Match List-I (River) with List-II (Originating District in Rajasthan) and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| River | Originating District |
|---|---|
| A. Luni | i. Sikar |
| B. Banas | ii. Ajmer |
| C. Kantli | iii. Rajsamand |
| D. Banganga | iv. Jaipur |
Explanation
Different rivers in Rajasthan originate from specific hilly terrains across the state. The Luni originates from Nag Pahar in Ajmer, while the Banas starts at Khamnor Hills in Rajsamand. The Kantli river arises from the Khandela Hills in Neem Ka Thana, and the Banganga begins its journey in the Bairath Hills of Jaipur Gramin, highlighting regional hydrological diversity within the Aravalli range.
Q5. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the classification of drainage systems in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Contrary to common misconceptions, the internal drainage system is most prominent in the arid regions of western Rajasthan. High evaporation, low rainfall, and sandy soil prevent many rivers from reaching the sea. Rivers like the Ghaggar and Kakni are classic examples of this system, where water courses naturally terminate within the desert boundaries rather than reaching any external ocean.
Q6. The Banas river, which is the longest river flowing entirely within Rajasthan, originates from which of the following hills?
Explanation
The Banas River, known as the ‘Hope of the Forest’, originates from the Khamnor Hills of the Aravalli Range in Rajsamand district. It is the longest river flowing entirely within the geographical boundaries of Rajasthan. This river is a major tributary of the Chambal, playing a vital role in the irrigation, ecology, and water security of the state.
Q7. Identify the correct statement regarding the Chambal river in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Near Bhensrorgarh in Chittorgarh district, the Chambal River drops significantly to form the Chuliya waterfall, which is a prominent geographical feature. The river enters Rajasthan at Chaurasigarh and generally flows in a northeasterly direction. It is a major component of the Yamuna drainage basin, eventually contributing its water to the Ganges and then reaching the distant Bay of Bengal.
Q8. The Luni river, the most significant river of western Rajasthan, originates from which of the following?
Explanation
The Luni River originates from the Nag Pahar in the Ajmer district of the Aravalli Range. It is the primary river system of the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan. Initially known as the Sagarmati, it takes the name Luni after meeting the Saraswati stream. Its flow is ephemeral, and it plays a critical role in the desert ecosystem’s hydrology.
Q9. Consider the following rivers:
I. Jawai
II. Sukri
III. Bandi
Which of the following correctly identifies the main river of which these are tributaries?
I. Jawai
II. Sukri
III. Bandi
Which of the following correctly identifies the main river of which these are tributaries?
Explanation
The Jawai, Sukri, and Bandi are all significant tributaries of the Luni River, flowing through the semi-arid regions of western Rajasthan. These seasonal streams originate mostly from the western slopes of the Aravalli Range. They contribute to the Luni’s flow before it eventually disappears into the Rann of Kutch, forming an essential part of the state’s western internal drainage network.
Q10. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The water of the Luni river is sweet from its origin up to Balotra, after which it turns saline.
Reason (R): The soil in the desert region beyond Balotra contains high amounts of salt particles, which dissolve into the river water.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The water of the Luni river is sweet from its origin up to Balotra, after which it turns saline.
Reason (R): The soil in the desert region beyond Balotra contains high amounts of salt particles, which dissolve into the river water.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Explanation
The Luni River exhibits a unique chemical characteristic where its water remains fresh from its source until it reaches Balotra. Beyond this point, it turns saline because the riverbed passes through soil rich in salt and alkaline minerals.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Internal drainage system |
| 2 | (a) The Aravalli mountain range acts as the primary water divide between the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea drainage systems. |
| 3 | (d) I, II and III |
| 4 | (d) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 5 | (c) The internal drainage system is completely absent in the arid regions of western Rajasthan. |
| 6 | (b) Khamnor Hills |
| 7 | (a) The Chambal river forms the famous Chuliya waterfall near Bhensrorgarh. |
| 8 | (b) Nag Pahar |
| 9 | (b) Luni |
| 10 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
Key facts from Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan
- The internal (inland) drainage system covers the largest area of Rajasthan.
- The Banas, the longest river flowing entirely within Rajasthan, rises in the Khamnor hills.
- The Banganga rises in the Bairath hills; the Jamwa Ramgarh Dam on it was once crucial for Jaipur’s water.
- The Gambhir rises in Karauli, flows through Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur and Dholpur and joins the Yamuna; the Panchana Dam is built at the confluence of its tributaries.
- The Kakni, the smallest river of the internal system, rises at Kotri village in Jaisalmer; the Ruparel is also called Varah and Laswari.
- The flood plain of the Ghaggar in Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar is locally called the Nali.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan?
This page has 48 practice MCQs on Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which is the longest river flowing wholly within Rajasthan?
The Banas, which rises in the Khamnor hills of the Aravallis and flows to meet the Chambal. Because it begins and ends in the State, it is called the longest river wholly within Rajasthan.
Which dam supplied Jaipur’s water in the past?
The Jamwa Ramgarh Dam on the Banganga river. It was built to supply Jaipur city and was important until the demand outgrew it, and the Banganga is a seasonal river of the eastern plains.
What is the Nali?
The local name for the flood plain of the Ghaggar river in the Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar districts. The Ghaggar is a seasonal river of the north, and the Nali floods in the rainy season.