Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls (Bihar)

1. Phalgu, a sacred river flowing in Bihar, is formed by the confluence of which of the following rivers? [68th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2022]

Correct Answer: (a) Mohana and Lilajan rivers

Solution:The Phalgu or Falgu, a river that flows past Gaya, India in the Indian state of Bihar is a sacred river for Hindus and Buddhists. The Phalgu is formed by the confluence, some 3 km. below Bodh Gaya, of the Lilajan (also called Niranjan or Nilanjan) and the Mohana.

2. Rivers belonging to which one of the following groups form the boundary between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh? [47ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]

(a) Kamla, Son and Bagmati
(b) Budi Gandak, Kosi and Ganga
(c) Karmanasa, Gandak and Ghaghara
(d) North Koel, Ajay and Punpun

Correct Answer: (c) Karmanasa, Gandak and Ghaghara

Solution:Karmanasa, Gandak and Ghaghara rivers determine border-line between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These rivers flow into the Ganga river. Karmanasa in Chausa and Buxar; Gandak near Patna and Ghaghara near Chapra flows into the Ganga.

3. A river formerly known as the 'Sorrow of Bengal' rises from Bihar is: [43ʳᵈ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999]

(a) Barakar
(b) Damodar
(c) Mayurakshi
(d) Subarnarekha

Correct Answer: (b) Damodar

Solution:Damodar river was earlier known as the sorrow of Bengal. Damodar river originates at Palamu district of Jharkhand (then Bihar).

4. The other name of river Gandak is: [69ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Burhi Gandak
(b) Mahananda
(c) Narayani
(d) Punpun

Correct Answer: (c) Narayani

Solution:The river Gandak, is also known as the Gandaki and Narayani River in Nepal. It is a significant river that flows through the northern part of India and Nepal. Valmiki National Park and Tiger Reserve in Bihar is located on the banks of this river.

5. In Bihar, Damodar flows: [42ⁿᵈ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997]

(a) In a Karst topography
(b) In a rift valley
(c) In a Bmarshy region
(d) None of them

Correct Answer: (b) In a rift valley

Solution:Damodar river, also known as the sorrow of Bengal, originates at Chhotanagpur plateau (1366 meter). It flows through a rift valley.

6. Which of the following rivers flowing in Bihar is a north flowing river? [66ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Solution:Major north flowing rivers in Bihar are Mahananda, Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati, Balon, Budhi Gandak.

7. Which of the following rivers in Bihar merge into the Ganges: [40th B.P.S.C. (Pre), 1995]

(1) Gandak

(2) Son

(3) Ghaghara

(4) Punpun

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 1, 2, 3
(c) 1, 3, 4
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2, 3, 4

Solution:Among the rivers given in the options, Gandak near Pahleja; Ghaghara (Saryu) near Chhapra; Son near Maner and Punpun at Fatuha merge into the Ganga river.

8. In which one of the following pairs of Administrative Divisions of Bihar, Ganga river does not flow? [66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (d) Kosi-Magadh

Solution:There are three district in Kosi Administrative division - Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul, Ganga river does not flow from these district and Magadha Administrative division has five districts - Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad, Jehanabad and Arwal. Ganga river does not flow from these district. Thus option (d) will be correct answer.

9. Which of the following lakes is located in Bihar? [56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]

(a) Anupam Lake
(b) Sambhar Lake
(c) Sukhna Lake
(d) Kama Lake

Correct Answer: (a) Anupam Lake

Solution:Anupam Lake is located in Kaimur (Bihar). This lake is in the Kaimur wildlife sanctuary. Kaimur wildlife sanctuary is located in Kaimur and Rohtas district’s Kaimur range of Hills, Bihar. Sambhar lake is located near Jaipur, Rajasthan. Sukhna lake is located in Chandigarh.

10. One of the highest falls in Asia, 'Hundru' is situated near: [45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001]

(a) Ranchi
(b) Hazaribagh
(c) Jamshedpur
(d) Bodh Gaya

Correct Answer: (a) Ranchi

Solution:Hundru waterfall is located on Swarnrekha river near Ranchi. The Hundru Falls is created on the course of the Subarnarekha River, Where is falls from a height of 320 feet creating the highest water falls of the state (Jharkhand).