Question

The longest river in India is

  1. 1. Brahmaputra
  2. 2. Ganga
  3. 3. Godavari
  4. 4. Indus

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: Ganga

Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Ganga. Ganga is the longest river in India. 

The Ganga River is one of the major rivers of the Himalayan drainage system and the most sacred river in India. Flowing through northern and eastern India, it forms the largest river basin of the country, supporting diverse flora, fauna, and human settlements.

It stretches over 2,500 km, making it one of Asia’s longest rivers.

The Ganga originates as the Bhagirathi River from the Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh in Uttarakhand at an elevation of 3,892 m. After merging with the Alaknanda River at Devprayag, the stream is officially named Ganga.

Ganga River System Tributaries

The Ganga River System is fed by various tributaries and sub-tributaries, which are categorized into right-bank and left-bank tributaries depending on their position relative to the main source (the Ganga). 

The Tributaries of the Ganga River include:

  • Yamuna River
  • Tons (Tamsa) River
  • Son (Sone) River
  • Punpun River
  • Chandan River
  • Phalgu (Niranjana) River
  • Kiul River
  • Karamnasa River
  • Ramganga River
  • Gomti River
  • Ghaghara (Karnali) River
  • Gandak River
  • Kosi River
  • Mahananda River
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