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Q28 (IAS/2016) Geography › Indian Physical Geography › Himalayan river systems Official Key

Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra? 1. Dibang 2. Kameng 3. Lohit Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

The correct answer is option D because all three rivers—Dibang, Kameng, and Lohit—are tributaries of the Brahmaputra.

The Brahmaputra receives its main left bank tributaries, namely Dibang (or Sikang) and Lohit[1], after which it is known as the Brahmaputra. Kameng is mentioned as one of the important right bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra[1] along with Subansiri, Manas, and Sankosh.

Additionally, the river called Dihang is joined by the Dibang, the Lohit, and many other tributaries to form the Brahmaputra in Assam[2]. This confirms that both Dibang and Lohit are indeed tributaries that contribute to the formation of the Brahmaputra.

Therefore, all three rivers listed in the question—Dibang (statement 1), Kameng (statement 2), and Lohit (statement 3)—are tributaries of the Brahmaputra, making option D (1, 2 and 3) the correct answer.

Sources
  1. [1] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
  2. [2] CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
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Q. Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra? 1. Dibang 2. Kameng 3. Lohit Select the correct answer using the code…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'reward for reading' question. It is lifted directly from the NCERT Class XI Drainage chapter. If you missed this, your static geography foundation is shaky. No current affairs or obscure sources were needed—just the core text and a basic mental map of North East India.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is the Dibang River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
Presence: 5/5
“Himalayas near Namcha Barwa (7,755 m). The river emerges from the foothills under the name of Siang or Dihang. It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh. Flowing southwest, it receives its main left bank tributaries, viz., Dibang or Sikang and Lohit; thereafter, it is known as the Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra receives numerous tributaries in its 750 km long journey through the Assam valley. Its major left bank tributaries are the Burhi Dihing and Dhansari (South) whereas the important right bank tributaries are the Subansiri, Kameng, Manas and Sankosh. The Subansiri which has its origin in Tibet, is an antecedent river.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly names Dibang (or Sikang) as a main left-bank tributary received before the river is known as the Brahmaputra.
  • Describes the upper river emerging as Siang/Dihang and then receiving Dibang and Lohit, establishing Dibang's role in forming the Brahmaputra in India.
CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
Presence: 5/5
“The Brahmaputra rises in Tibet east of Mansarowar lake very close to the sources of the Indus and the Satluj. It is slightly longer than the Indus, and most of its course lies outside India. It flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas. On reaching the Namcha Barwa (7757 m), it takes a 'U' turn and enters India in Arunachal Pradesh through a gorge. Here, it is called the Dihang and it is joined by the Dibang, the Lohit, and many other tributaries to form the Brahmaputra in Assam.”
Why this source?
  • States the river called Dihang is joined by the Dibang and the Lohit to form the Brahmaputra in Assam.
  • Directly links Dibang as one of the tributaries contributing to the Brahmaputra's formation within India.
Statement 2
Is the Kameng River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
Presence: 5/5
“Himalayas near Namcha Barwa (7,755 m). The river emerges from the foothills under the name of Siang or Dihang. It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh. Flowing southwest, it receives its main left bank tributaries, viz., Dibang or Sikang and Lohit; thereafter, it is known as the Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra receives numerous tributaries in its 750 km long journey through the Assam valley. Its major left bank tributaries are the Burhi Dihing and Dhansari (South) whereas the important right bank tributaries are the Subansiri, Kameng, Manas and Sankosh. The Subansiri which has its origin in Tibet, is an antecedent river.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists Kameng among the important right-bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra.
  • Places Kameng alongside other named Brahmaputra tributaries (Subansiri, Manas, Sankosh), confirming its role in the system.
Statement 3
Is the Lohit River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
Presence: 5/5
“Himalayas near Namcha Barwa (7,755 m). The river emerges from the foothills under the name of Siang or Dihang. It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh. Flowing southwest, it receives its main left bank tributaries, viz., Dibang or Sikang and Lohit; thereafter, it is known as the Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra receives numerous tributaries in its 750 km long journey through the Assam valley. Its major left bank tributaries are the Burhi Dihing and Dhansari (South) whereas the important right bank tributaries are the Subansiri, Kameng, Manas and Sankosh. The Subansiri which has its origin in Tibet, is an antecedent river.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly names Lohit as one of the main left-bank tributaries joining the Siang/Dihang before it is known as the Brahmaputra.
  • Specifies the confluence in Arunachal Pradesh that creates the Brahmaputra, implying Lohit feeds into the Brahmaputra system.
CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
Presence: 5/5
“The Brahmaputra rises in Tibet east of Mansarowar lake very close to the sources of the Indus and the Satluj. It is slightly longer than the Indus, and most of its course lies outside India. It flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas. On reaching the Namcha Barwa (7757 m), it takes a 'U' turn and enters India in Arunachal Pradesh through a gorge. Here, it is called the Dihang and it is joined by the Dibang, the Lohit, and many other tributaries to form the Brahmaputra in Assam.”
Why this source?
  • States the Dihang (Siang) is joined by the Dibang and the Lohit to form the Brahmaputra in India.
  • Directly links Lohit with the formation of the Brahmaputra at the point of entry into India.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 3. The Brahmaputra River > p. 17
Presence: 5/5
“The Brahmaputra river basin is notorious for flooding and river bank erosion. The floods affect on average, an area of 100,000 hectares annually. The peak annual discharge at Pandu, near Guwahati, is more than 2.5 million cusecs (650,000 cumecs), while the low discharge is 120,000 cusecs (4210 cumecs). Below Pasighat, the river draws a number of tributaries such as Subansiri, Bhareli, Manas, Sankos, Tista, and Raidak on its right bank, while the Dihang, Lohit, and Burhi Dihang are from the east, and Dhansiri, Kalang and Kapili are the left bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra.”
Why this source?
  • Lists Lohit among eastern tributaries (with Dihang and Burhi Dihang) of the Brahmaputra.
  • Places Lohit clearly within the Brahmaputra river basin and tributary network.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC cycles through the major river systems. In 2016, it was Brahmaputra; in 2019 and 2021, they shifted focus to the Indus and Peninsular rivers. The source material (NCERT + Atlas) remains constant. Master the 'Big 6' river systems thoroughly.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Absolute Sitter. Directly sourced from NCERT Class XI, 'India: Physical Environment', Chapter 3 (Drainage System).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Drainage System of India' syllabus header. Specifically, the sub-theme of 'Left Bank vs. Right Bank Tributaries' of the Himalayan Big Three (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Don't stop at Brahmaputra. Memorize the bank-wise tributaries for others: (1) Indus Right Bank: Shyok, Gilgit, Hunza, Nubra, Kabul; (2) Ganga Left Bank: Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi; (3) Godavari Left Bank: Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga, Indravati; (4) Krishna Right Bank: Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Tungabhadra.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When reading Drainage chapters, convert paragraphs into a table: River | Origin | Left Tribs | Right Tribs. Visualizing the flow direction is crucial—if you face downstream, left is your left. UPSC loves confusing students by mixing tributaries of nearby systems (e.g., mixing Barak with Brahmaputra).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Brahmaputra tributary network
💡 The insight

References identify Dibang among principal tributaries (alongside Lohit) that join the Dihang/Siang to form the Brahmaputra in Assam.

Knowledge of major tributaries is high-yield for physical geography questions on river systems, drainage maps, and flood dynamics. It connects to topics like river basins, inter-state water issues, and regional physiography. Prepare by memorising key tributaries with their bank (left/right), source regions, and confluence points using NCERTs and drainage maps.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Dibang River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Upper-course name changes of the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo–Dihang/Siang–Brahmaputra)
💡 The insight

Evidence shows the river is known as Tsangpo in Tibet, emerges as Siang/Dihang in Arunachal, and becomes the Brahmaputra after receiving tributaries like Dibang.

Understanding river name changes and transboundary origins is frequently tested (origins, courses, international rivers). It links to upstream-downstream issues and regional geopolitics. Learn by mapping the course from source to mouth and noting local names and major confluences.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 22
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Dibang River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Left vs right bank tributaries and their physiographic effects
💡 The insight

References mention Dibang as a left-bank tributary and discuss how tributaries from Arunachal/Assam hills form alluvial fans and influence the Brahmaputra plain.

Questions often probe how tributary origin and bank-sided inflow affect sedimentation, braiding, flood plains and island formation (e.g., Majuli). Master this for answers on river morphology, flood control and agricultural impacts; use NCERTs and case studies of Assam plains for practice.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 4. The Brahmaputra Plain > p. 43
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Dibang River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Right-bank vs left-bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra
💡 The insight

The evidence names Kameng specifically as a right-bank tributary and distinguishes other left/right bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra.

Knowing which tributaries join the Brahmaputra from the right or left bank is high-yield for map-based and river-system questions in geography. It connects to physiography (hill sources, drainage patterns) and helps answer questions on flood behaviour, sediment load and regional hydrology. Master by memorising major tributaries by bank and practising map-labelling.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Kameng River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Course and nomenclature of the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo–Dihang–Brahmaputra)
💡 The insight

Several references describe the Brahmaputra's upper-course names (Tsangpo, Dihang/Siang) and where tributaries join as it enters India.

Understanding the river's longitudinal course and name changes helps in questions about transboundary rivers, origin, and regional hydrology. This concept links to topics on international river courses, gorges (Namcha Barwa), and how upstream geography affects downstream tributary patterns. Learn via sequential mapping and timeline of name/course changes.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 22
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Kameng River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Tributary influence on Assam plains — alluvial fans and braided channels
💡 The insight

Evidence notes numerous tributaries from Arunachal/Assam hills creating alluvial fans and the Brahmaputra's braided channel character in the Assam valley.

Important for questions on river behaviour, floodplain formation, soil/silt deposition, and river island formation (e.g., Majuli). It ties physical geography to agricultural and flood management issues in UPSC papers. Prepare by studying river morphology terms and linking tributary sources to plain-level effects.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 4. The Brahmaputra Plain > p. 43
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Kameng River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Major tributaries of the Brahmaputra (Lohit, Dibang, Dihang)
💡 The insight

The references repeatedly list Lohit alongside Dibang and Dihang as rivers that join to form or feed the Brahmaputra.

Questions often ask about river systems and their principal tributaries; knowing the key tributaries of the Brahmaputra helps answer origin/confluence and flood-impact questions. This links to topics on Himalayan drainage and basin dynamics—learn by mapping confluences and memorising major tributary names and their banks.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 3. The Brahmaputra River > p. 17
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Lohit River a tributary of the Brahmaputra River (India)?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The same NCERT page mentions the 'Subansiri' specifically as an 'antecedent river' originating in Tibet. A future question could ask: 'Which of the following Brahmaputra tributaries is an antecedent river?' Another shadow fact: The Barak River is NOT a tributary of the Brahmaputra in India; it joins the system in Bangladesh (as the Meghna).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Linguistic & Regional Logic: 'Dibang' and 'Lohit' are major districts in Arunachal Pradesh. If you know the river flows through Arunachal to Assam, these local names must be part of the system. If you confirm 1 and 3 (the famous Dihang-Dibang-Lohit trio), you are left with Option C or D. Kameng is also a prominent district in Western Arunachal; gravity dictates its water must flow south into the Assam valley (Brahmaputra). Select All.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link to IR & Security (GS-2/GS-3): The Brahmaputra (Siang) is central to the China-India water dispute. China's potential dam-building on the 'Great Bend' (Namcha Barwa) threatens the flow into Arunachal. Knowing these tributaries helps you understand the strategic geography of the Arunachal frontier (e.g., Kameng sector vs. Lohit sector).

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-II · 2012 · Q25 Relevance score: 6.43

Arrange the following tributaries of river Brahmaputra from west to east : 1. Lohit 2. Dibang 3. Subansiri 4. Tista Select the correct answer using the code given below : Code :

CAPF · 2022 · Q64 Relevance score: 5.11

Which one of the following is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River?

NDA-I · 2021 · Q33 Relevance score: 4.82

Which one of the following rivers is not a tributary of river Brahmaputra?

IAS · 2008 · Q23 Relevance score: 4.35

Consider the following pairs: Tributary River Main River 1. Chambal Narmada 2. Sone Yamuna 3. Manas Brahmaputra Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?