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Question 75 of 131 · Rivers, Lakes & Dams of India
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The Karnali, the longest river of Nepal, is known in India as the:

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Answer: Option C — Ghaghara

Detailed Solution

The Karnali river of Nepal is called the Ghaghara (Ghaghra) after it enters India. It is the longest river of Nepal and one of the largest tributaries of the Ganga.

Course of the Karnali-Ghaghara:

  • It rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarovar, from the Mapchachungo glacier region.
  • It flows through the Himalayas of far-western Nepal, cutting through deep gorges.
  • It enters India in Uttar Pradesh near Bahraich district, where it splits for a while and is called the Ghaghara.
  • In Uttar Pradesh, it is joined by the Sharda (Kali), the Rapti and the Sarayu.
  • It flows south-east through Uttar Pradesh and joins the Ganga near Chhapra (Revelganj) in Bihar.
  • Its total length is about 1,080 km.

Importance:

  • The Ghaghara is one of the largest tributaries of the Ganga by volume of water.
  • It carries heavy sediment and frequently changes its course, causing floods in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Ayodhya and the Sarayu:

  • The stretch of the river near Ayodhya is traditionally called the Sarayu (Saryu), which is closely associated with Lord Rama in the Ramayana.
  • Ayodhya lies on its banks.

Hydropower in Nepal:

Nepal has planned large hydroelectric projects on the Karnali, such as the Upper Karnali project, partly with Indian investment.

Rivers flowing from Nepal into India:

  • Mahakali (Sharda): forms the western border between India and Nepal.
  • Karnali (Ghaghara).
  • Gandaki (Gandak).
  • Koshi (Kosi).
  • Bagmati.

Why not the other options?

  • ✗The Gandak and Kosi are other rivers that come from Nepal into Bihar.
  • ✗The Sharda (called the Mahakali in Nepal) forms the India-Nepal border and later joins the Ghaghara.

Quick tip

Remember: Karnali (Nepal's longest river) = Ghaghara in India; joins the Ganga near Chhapra; Sarayu at Ayodhya.

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Rivers, Lakes & Dams of India — Preparation

This question tests your understanding of Rivers, Lakes & Dams of India, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.

This topic covers India's drainage system: the Himalayan rivers (the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra systems), the peninsular rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Narmada, Tapi and Mahanadi), their tributaries and origins, waterfalls, lakes, and the major dams and multipurpose river projects. Exams ask about the origin of a river, its tributaries, the cities on its banks, and the river on which a dam is built. For example, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is on the Sutlej, the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada. Remember that the Narmada and Tapi flow west into the Arabian Sea, while most peninsular rivers flow east. Practise the rivers, lakes and dams of India questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.

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