With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct ?
- (a) Ghaghara – Gomati – Gandak – Kosi
- (b) Gomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Ghaghara – Gomati – Kosi – Gandak
- (d) Gomati – Ghaghara – Kosi – Gandak
Why the answer is (b)
• Downstream of Prayagraj the Ganga receives its major Himalayan left-bank tributaries in the Uttar Pradesh–Bihar plain.
• The Gomati joins first, near Ghazipur (Kaithi) in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• Next the Ghaghara (Saryu) joins at Chhapra, just above Patna in Bihar; then the Gandak joins opposite Patna at Hajipur.
• Farthest east, the Kosi joins near Kursela in Katihar district before the Ganga enters West Bengal.
• The west-to-east sequence is therefore Gomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Ghaghara – Gomati – Gandak – Kosi
- The Gomati joins before the Ghaghara, not after.
- (c) Ghaghara – Gomati – Kosi – Gandak
- The Gomati comes first and the Gandak before the Kosi.
- (d) Gomati – Ghaghara – Kosi – Gandak
- The Gandak joins before the Kosi, not after.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.