Which one of the following Himalayan rivers does NOT originate from across the Himalayas ?

The Ganga is the correct answer as it originates within the Indian territory, specifically from the Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh in Uttarakhand [3]. In contrast, the other three rivers mentioned—Indus, Satluj, and Brahmaputra—are trans-Himalayan rivers that originate 'across' the Himalayas in the Tibetan Plateau [4]. The Indus rises near Lake Mansarovar, the Satluj originates from Lake Rakshastal, and the Brahmaputra (known as the Tsangpo in Tibet) originates from the Angsi Glacier near Mount Kailash [4]. While some sources note that the headwaters of the Ganga (Alaknanda and Bhagirathi) are antecedent and originate on the southern slopes of the Tibetan Highlands, the standard geographical classification identifies the Ganga's primary source as the Indian state of Uttarakhand, distinguishing it from the trans-border origins of the Indus, Satluj, and Brahmaputra [2].

Sources

1. [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 4
2. [3] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 48
3. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Evolution of the Himalayan Rivers > p. 6
4. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 3. The Brahmaputra River > p. 17