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 21–30 of 48 questions
I. Banas
II. Luni
III. Kantli
IV. Kakni
Which of the above represents the correct sequence?
Explanation
When considering river lengths entirely within Rajasthan, the Banas is the longest, followed by the Luni. The internal drainage rivers are generally shorter; the Kantli is a significant seasonal river in the Shekhawati region, while the Kakni is the smallest river of this category, flowing for only a short distance in Jaisalmer. This sequence accurately reflects the varying regional river scales.Explanation
The Kali Sindh River, which originates in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh, enters Rajasthan at the Jhalawar district. It is a major tributary of the Chambal River and flows through the southeastern part of the state. Its entry point is crucial for the hydrological management of the Hadoti region, where it supports significant irrigation networks and the local economy.Explanation
The Gagron Fort, a world-renowned water fort, is uniquely situated at the confluence of the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers in the Jhalawar district. This strategic location provided natural protection and made it an impregnable fortress historically. The convergence of these two rivers forms a scenic and formidable landscape that is a prime example of Rajasthan’s integrated military and geographical heritage.I. It originates from the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh.
II. It enters Rajasthan at Kariya Hat in Baran district.
III. It forms a natural boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for some distance.
IV. It joins the Chambal river at Palia near the border of Sawai Madhopur.
V. The Lhasi and Berni are its prominent tributaries.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Parvati River is an important tributary of the Chambal, originating in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh and entering Rajasthan at Baran. It marks a portion of the state boundary and eventually joins the Chambal in Sawai Madhopur. With tributaries like the Lhasi and Berni, the Parvati system provides vital water resources for irrigation across the fertile southeastern plains.| Tributary | Main River |
|---|---|
| A. Parwan | i. Chambal |
| B. Ahu | ii. Kali Sindh |
| C. Lhasi | iii. Parvati |
| D. Mej | iv. Kali Sindh |
Explanation
The drainage network of eastern Rajasthan is composed of several hierarchical river systems. The Parwan and Ahu are key tributaries of the Kali Sindh. The Lhasi contributes its waters to the Parvati River, while the Mej is a direct tributary of the Chambal. Understanding these relationships is fundamental to mapping the broader water flow through the Hadoti and southeastern regions.Explanation
The Kakni River, also known as the Kakneya or Musurdi, is the smallest river in Rajasthan’s internal drainage system. It originates from the Kotari village in Jaisalmer district. Due to its very low water volume and the arid desert climate, it flows for only a few kilometers before terminating. During rare periods of good rainfall, its waters reach the nearby Bhuj Lake.Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Rajasthan possesses the highest proportion of internal drainage area among all Indian states.
Reason (R): The state is characterized by an arid climate, low and erratic rainfall, sandy terrain, and the rain-shadow effect of the Aravalli range.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Explanation
Rajasthan has the largest proportion of internal drainage in India, covering about sixty percent of its land. This is directly caused by the state’s unique geography, including the arid Thar Desert and the Aravalli range’s rain-shadow effect. Low rainfall and porous sandy soils prevent many rivers from reaching the sea, forcing them to disappear into the desert or inland lakes.I. The Sabi river originates from the Sewar hills in Jaipur rural district.
II. The Ruparel river originates from the Udaynath hills in Alwar district.
III. The Kantli river divides the Shekhawati region and its basin is known as Torawati.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The internal drainage system of Rajasthan includes several distinct rivers with specific origins and basin names. The Sabi starts in the Sewar Hills, while the Ruparel originates from the Udaynath Hills in Alwar. The Kantli River is notable for flowing through the Shekhawati region, where its catchment area is traditionally known as Torawati, illustrating the integration of local geography and terminology.Explanation
The Kakni is a seasonal and ephemeral river in the heart of the Thar Desert. While it usually carries very little water, during years of substantial monsoon rainfall, its flow is sufficient to reach a local depression near Jaisalmer. This results in the formation of Bhuj Lake, a temporary body of water that is a significant geographical feature in the arid landscape.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (d) The Wakal, Hathmati, Meshwa, and Vatrak are significant left and right bank tributaries. |
| 22 | (a) I, II, III, IV |
| 23 | (c) Jhalawar |
| 24 | (a) Ahu and Kali Sindh - Gagron Fort |
| 25 | (d) I, II, III, IV and V |
| 26 | (b) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i |
| 27 | (d) Kotari village, Jaisalmer |
| 28 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 29 | (d) I, II and III |
| 30 | (b) It fills a local depression to form the Bhuj Lake in Jaisalmer. |
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.