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Q30 (IAS/2017) Geography › Indian Physical Geography › Himalayan river systems Official Key

With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements : 1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. 3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option B (statement 2 only).

**Statement 1 is incorrect:** The Teesta rises from Kanchenjunga[1], while the Brahmaputra originates from a different source in Tibet. They do not share the same source. However, the river Teesta does form the border between Sikkim and West Bengal[2], so it does flow through Sikkim.

**Statement 2 is correct:** The Rangit river originates from Sikkim[3], and it is the largest tributary of the Teesta River[2]. This statement is entirely accurate.

**Statement 3 is incorrect:** In Bangladesh, the Tista joins the Brahmaputra on its right bank, from where the river is known as the Jamuna[4]. The Teesta joins the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) at Fulcherry[5], which is inside Bangladesh, not at the India-Bangladesh border. The river eventually reaches the Bay of Bengal through the combined river system, but not directly at the border.

Sources
  1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Tista > p. 16
  2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teesta_River
  3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Rangit River > p. 17
  4. [4] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
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Q. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements : 1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but …
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 6.7/10 · 3.3/10

This question is a classic 'Map Synthesis' test. It moves beyond rote memorization of origins to 'Comparative Geography' (Statement 1) and 'Political Geography' (Statement 3). You cannot answer this by just reading a list of rivers; you must visualize the Teesta's trajectory relative to the Brahmaputra and the international border.

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
Do river Teesta and river Brahmaputra originate from the same source?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The Teesta River joins the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna River in Bangladesh) at Fulcherry."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly says the Teesta flows into the Brahmaputra and joins it at a location in Bangladesh, implying they are distinct rivers that meet downstream.
  • If Teesta joins Brahmaputra, they have separate courses before confluence (i.e., different sources).
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"From here river Teesta forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal up to Teesta Bazaar... the river is met by its largest tributary, the Rangeet River."
Why this source?
  • Describes Teesta's course through Sikkim/West Bengal and mentions its major tributary Rangeet, indicating Teesta has its own headwaters and tributary system.
  • Shows Teesta is a separate river system with origins/tributaries upstream of where it would meet larger rivers.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Evolution of the Himalayan Rivers > p. 6
Strength: 5/5
“The geologists and geomorphologists are not unanimous about the origin of the Himalayan rivers. The Himalayan rivers have a long geological history. The major rivers of the Himalayas like Indus, Brahmaputra, Satluj, Ganga (Alaknanda and Bhagirathi), Gandak, Kali, Kosi, Tista, Manas, etc., originate on the southern slopes of the Tibetan Highlands. Rivers like Indus, Satluj and Brahmaputra first flowed parallel to the main axis of the moutain in longitudinal troughs, then they take sudden bends towards the south, carving out deep gorges across the mountain ranges to reach the northern plains of India. Such deep gorges created by the Indus, Satluj, Alaknanda, Sarju (Kali), Gandak, Kosi, Tista, and Brahmaputra suggest that they are older than the Himalayan mountains, and are antecedent in character.”
Why relevant

Lists Tista (Teesta) among Himalayan rivers that 'originate on the southern slopes of the Tibetan Highlands', establishing its general source-region type.

How to extend

A student could use a map of the Tibetan Plateau/Himalayas to compare the Teesta's southern Tibetan-slope origin with the Brahmaputra's named source to see if they coincide geographically.

CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Brahmaputra River System > p. 20
Strength: 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 relevant

States the Brahmaputra 'rises in Tibet east of Mansarowar lake very close to the sources of the Indus and the Satluj', indicating the Brahmaputra's specific source location and nearby river sources.

How to extend

One can locate Mansarovar/this eastern-Tibet zone on a map and check whether Teesta's headwaters are in the same immediate area or elsewhere along the Himalayan front.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 3. The Brahmaputra River > p. 17
Strength: 5/5
“Originating from the Angsi glaciers lying to the south-east of Kailash Mountain and Mansarovar Lake, at an elevation of 5150 m, the Brahmaputra is known as the Tsangpo in Tibet. It pierces the Greater Himalayas (7755 m) near Namcha Barwa. It passes the Dihang-Gorge in Arunachal Pradesh. At Sadiya, the river comes down to 135 m above sea level. In India, the river is known as Brahmaputra. The river flows to the west in Assam upto Dhubri (28 m), and further below, it takes a sharp southward bend to enter into Bangladesh. The catchment area of the Brahmaputra receives heavy rainfall.”
Why relevant

Gives a precise Brahmaputra origin: 'Angsi glaciers ... south-east of Kailash Mountain and Mansarovar Lake' with elevation and Tibetan (Tsangpo) name, specifying the Brahmaputra's glacial source.

How to extend

Compare the Angsi/Kailash/Mansarovar location on a topographic/glacier map with known headwaters of Teesta to judge whether they are the same glaciers or distinct sources.

INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 22
Strength: 4/5
“The Brahmaputra, one of the largest rivers of the world, has its origin in the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake. From here, it traverses eastward longitudinally for a distance of nearly 1,200 km in a dry and flat region of southern Tibet, where it is known as the Tsangpo, which means 'the purifier.' The Rango Tsangpo is the major right bank tributary of this river in Tibet. It emerges as a turbulent and dynamic river after carving out a deep gorge in the Central”
Why relevant

Also identifies the Brahmaputra origin as the 'Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake', reinforcing a consistent, named glacial source for Brahmaputra.

How to extend

Use this named glacier location as a reference point to test if Teesta's origin (per [2]) lies at the same glacier or a different part of the southern Tibetan slopes.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > 2. The Brahmaputra River Basin > p. 49
Strength: 4/5
“The maximum discharge of water among the Indian rivers is in the Brahmaputra River. The Assam Valley is considered to be one of the worst flood affected areas of India. In fact, in Assam, floods are almost an annual feature. The Jaldakha, Teesta, and Torsa rivers often overflow their banks to flood the regions of northern West Bengal, Manipur and Sikkim. The main cause of floods in the Brahmaputra basin are: (i) heavy and torrential rainfall—during the rainy season over 200 cm of rainfall is recorded over greater parts of its middle and lower reaches, (ii) silting of the river course due to heavy soil erosion, (iii) landslides, (iv) heavy pressure of population, and (v) shifting cultivation on the surrounding hilly areas.”
Why relevant

Mentions Teesta (Tista) among rivers that overflow regions of northern West Bengal, Manipur and Sikkim, implying its course and headwater region are linked to Sikkim/north Bengal rather than Mansarovar/Kailash area.

How to extend

A student could note this regional linkage (Sikkim/West Bengal) and, using a map, assess whether those headwaters lie much farther south/east of Brahmaputra's Mansarovar-origin, suggesting different sources.

Statement 2
Does river Teesta flow through the Indian state of Sikkim?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Table 8.9 > p. 19
Presence: 5/5
“West Bengal; Names of the Hydro-Electric Power Plants: Panchet, Purulia Pass • States: 18. Sikkim; Names of the Hydro-Electric Power Plants: Teesta Dam, Ranjit, Tashiding 1. Bhakra Nangal Project: The Bhakra-Nangal Dam is a joint venture of the Punjab,”
Why this source?
  • Snippet lists 'Teesta Dam' among hydro-electric power plants under the state heading 'Sikkim'.
  • Presence of a named dam tied to Sikkim implies the Teesta river runs through (or adjacent to) Sikkim to host hydro projects.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > 2. The Brahmaputra River Basin > p. 49
Presence: 4/5
“The maximum discharge of water among the Indian rivers is in the Brahmaputra River. The Assam Valley is considered to be one of the worst flood affected areas of India. In fact, in Assam, floods are almost an annual feature. The Jaldakha, Teesta, and Torsa rivers often overflow their banks to flood the regions of northern West Bengal, Manipur and Sikkim. The main cause of floods in the Brahmaputra basin are: (i) heavy and torrential rainfall—during the rainy season over 200 cm of rainfall is recorded over greater parts of its middle and lower reaches, (ii) silting of the river course due to heavy soil erosion, (iii) landslides, (iv) heavy pressure of population, and (v) shifting cultivation on the surrounding hilly areas.”
Why this source?
  • Snippet states the Teesta river often overflows its banks to flood regions including Sikkim.
  • Mention of flooding in Sikkim indicates the river flows through or impacts Sikkim directly.
Statement 3
Does river Rangeet originate in the Indian state of Sikkim?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Rangit River > p. 17
Presence: 5/5
“Originating from Sikkim, Rangit river has a large number of rapids. This river is well known all over the world for rafting sports. Its banks provide good camping grounds.”
Why this source?
  • Snippet explicitly states the Rangit (Rangeet) river originates from Sikkim.
  • Provides a direct geographic origin for the river (Sikkim), so it directly affirms the statement.
Statement 4
Is river Rangeet a tributary of river Teesta?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Tista > p. 16
Presence: 5/5
“This is the westernmost right bank tributary of the Brahmaputra. Rising from Kanchenjunga, it is a wild mountain torrent in the Darjeeling Hills with a number of tributaries like the Rangpo, Rangit, and Sevak. Situated on its bank, the Jalpaiguri town, was completely swept away in the flood of 1968. At present, river Tista joins the Brahmaputra river in Bangladesh. It shifted its course substantially in the flash flood of 1787, prior to which it used to make a confluence with the Ganga.”
Why this source?
  • Snippet [2] explicitly lists 'Rangit' among the tributaries of the Tista (Teesta).
  • It describes Tista as a Himalayan mountain torrent with tributaries like Rangpo, Rangit and Sevak, implying Rangit/Rangit-class river feeds Tista.
Statement 5
Does river Teesta flow into the Bay of Bengal?
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
“The Brahmaputra enters into Bangladesh near Dhubri and flows southward. In Bangladesh, the Tista joins it on its right bank from where the river is known as the Jamuna. It finally merges with the river Padma, which falls in the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra is well-known for floods, channel shifting and bank erosion. This is due to the fact that most of its tributaries are large, and bring large quantity of sediments owing to heavy rainfall in its catchment area.”
Why this source?
  • Snippet states the Tista (Teesta) joins the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh on its right bank.
  • It then says the combined river (Jamuna/Padma) finally merges with the Padma, which falls into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Directly links Teesta's waters via successive confluences to a river that empties into the Bay of Bengal.
CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Ganga River System > p. 20
Presence: 4/5
“The river bifurcates here; the Bhagirathi-Hooghly (a distributary) flows southwards through the deltaic plains to the Bay of Bengal. The mainstream, flows southwards into Bangladesh and is joined by the Brahmaputra. Further downstream, it is known as the Meghna. This mighty river, with waters from the Ganga and the Brahmaputra, flows into the Bay of Bengal. The delta formed by these rivers is known as the Sundarban Delta. • The Sundarban Delta derived its name from the Sundari tree, which grows well in marshland. • It is the world's largest and fastest growing delta. It is also the home of Royal Bengal tiger.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the combined Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna system flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Supports the general point that major rivers and their joined systems in Bengal discharge into the Bay of Bengal.
Statement 6
Does river Teesta enter the Bay of Bengal at the India–Bangladesh international border?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"In Bangladesh, it merges with Jamuna River which after meeting some other major rivers of the Bengal delta finally falls into the Bay of Bengal."
Why this source?
  • Says Teesta merges with the Jamuna River in Bangladesh.
  • States the Jamuna (after meeting other rivers) finally falls into the Bay of Bengal — implying Teesta reaches the Bay via inland confluence, not at the border.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"before entering Bangladesh at Dimlaupazila in the Nilphamari district. The Teesta River flows through the five northern districts of Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Rangpur in Bangladesh,"
Why this source?
  • Specifies where the Teesta enters Bangladesh (Dimlaupazila, Nilphamari) — an inland entry point, not the international coastal border.
  • Describes Teesta flowing through multiple northern Bangladeshi districts before progressing downstream.

INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Brahmaputra System > p. 23
Strength: 5/5
“The Brahmaputra enters into Bangladesh near Dhubri and flows southward. In Bangladesh, the Tista joins it on its right bank from where the river is known as the Jamuna. It finally merges with the river Padma, which falls in the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra is well-known for floods, channel shifting and bank erosion. This is due to the fact that most of its tributaries are large, and bring large quantity of sediments owing to heavy rainfall in its catchment area.”
Why relevant

Says the Tista (Teesta) joins the Brahmaputra (called Jamuna downstream) in Bangladesh, and that the Brahmaputra/Padma system finally falls into the Bay of Bengal.

How to extend

A student can check a map to see where the Tista-Brahmaputra confluence lies relative to the India–Bangladesh border and whether the Teesta reaches the sea directly or via the Brahmaputra/Padma system.

CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Ganga River System > p. 20
Strength: 4/5
“The river bifurcates here; the Bhagirathi-Hooghly (a distributary) flows southwards through the deltaic plains to the Bay of Bengal. The mainstream, flows southwards into Bangladesh and is joined by the Brahmaputra. Further downstream, it is known as the Meghna. This mighty river, with waters from the Ganga and the Brahmaputra, flows into the Bay of Bengal. The delta formed by these rivers is known as the Sundarban Delta. • The Sundarban Delta derived its name from the Sundari tree, which grows well in marshland. • It is the world's largest and fastest growing delta. It is also the home of Royal Bengal tiger.”
Why relevant

Describes how the Ganga and Brahmaputra join and form a combined river system that flows into the Bay of Bengal (Meghna/Padma) through the delta.

How to extend

Combine this with the fact that Teesta is a tributary to the Brahmaputra system to infer that its waters reach the Bay via the delta rather than necessarily at the border.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India > The Delta in West Bengal and the Sundarbans > p. 22
Strength: 3/5
“As we travel back from the islands towards the eastern side of the Himalayas via the Bay of Bengal, we come to the Sundarbans. This is located in the delta of the Ganga, Brahmaputra (you saw them earlier in the chapter) and their tributaries. This delta has a unique combination of the river, sea and land. About half of it is located in India, and the rest is in Bangladesh. This is also a UNESCO Heritage site. The Sundarbans are home to many species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. Note: Do remember to look at the map and identify where the delta is.”
Why relevant

Notes the Sundarbans delta is formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra and lies partly in India and partly in Bangladesh.

How to extend

Use a map to trace whether Teesta’s outflow contributes to this shared delta region rather than discharging precisely at the international boundary.

INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > Important Drainage Patterns > p. 19
Strength: 2/5
“If you look at the Figure 3.1 you can see that many rivers have their sources in the Himalayas and discharge their waters either in the Bay of Bengal or in the Arabian Sea. Identify these rivers of North India. Large rivers flowing on the Peninsular plateau have their origin in the Western Ghats and discharge their waters in the Bay of Bengal. Identify these rivers of the South India. The Narmada and Tapi are two large rivers which are exceptions. They along with many small rivers discharge their waters in the Arabian Sea. Name these rivers of the western coastal region from the Konkan to the Malabar coast.”
Why relevant

Gives the general pattern that many Himalayan-origin rivers discharge into the Bay of Bengal.

How to extend

A student can apply this general drainage pattern to check whether Teesta, a Himalayan river, follows the typical route into the Bay via larger river systems or directly at the border.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS FOR SURFACE WATER RESOURCES > p. 39
Strength: 2/5
“Several of the Indian rivers flow through Tibet (China), Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. India has many international agreements with these neighbouring countries regarding the sharing of international river waters.”
Why relevant

States that several Indian rivers flow through neighbouring countries and that international agreements govern such transboundary waters.

How to extend

This prompts checking transboundary river courses (using maps or agreements) to locate where Teesta crosses the border and where it ultimately discharges.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves to confuse 'Proximity' with 'Identity'. Just because Teesta and Brahmaputra are both Himalayan rivers, the examiner tests if you know the difference between the Tibetan Plateau (Brahmaputra) and the Sikkim Himalayas (Teesta). Always check if a river joins the 'Main Stem' (like Jamuna/Padma) or the 'Sea' directly.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Standard Map Question + Logic. (Source: Majid Husain/NCERT for tributaries; Atlas for the border detail).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Himalayan Drainage Systems > Brahmaputra Right-Bank Tributaries.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'North Bank' tributaries of Brahmaputra west-to-east: Teesta (Sikkim), Sankosh (Bhutan border), Manas (Bhutan), Kameng (Arunachal), Subansiri (Tibet). Note which ones are trans-boundary.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying a river, apply the 'S-C-B Framework': Source (Glacier vs State), Confluence (Does it meet the sea or another river?), and Border (Does it cross it or form it?).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Origins of major Himalayan rivers on the Tibetan Plateau (near Mansarovar)
💡 The insight

The question concerns river sources; several references state that the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) rises near Mansarovar/Angsi glacier on the Tibetan Plateau and that many Himalayan rivers originate on the southern slopes of Tibet.

High-yield for UPSC geography: knowing that major Himalayan rivers originate in Tibet (near Mansarovar/Angsi) helps answer questions on river sources, transboundary river courses, and water geopolitics. Connects to topics on Himalayan physiography and river basins; useful in map-based and comparative origin questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 3. The Brahmaputra River > p. 17
  • 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: "Do river Teesta and river Brahmaputra originate from the same source?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Changing river names and course (Tsangpo → Dihang/Siang → Brahmaputra)
💡 The insight

References show the same river having different local names along its course and joining tributaries to become the Brahmaputra, which is relevant when comparing headwaters of different rivers.

Important for UPSC as many questions test knowledge of river nomenclature and course (where rivers change names, major tributaries, entry points into India). Helps in answering questions on river systems, basin management and inter-state river issues.

📚 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: "Do river Teesta and river Brahmaputra originate from the same source?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 River evolution: antecedent rivers and river capture
💡 The insight

Evidence describes antecedent character of major Himalayan rivers and historical river capture (Tsangpo's course altered by headward erosion), which affects present-day sources and courses.

Conceptually useful for UPSC to explain why river courses and apparent 'origins' may change over geological time — relevant to physical geography and river dynamics questions. Links to floodplain formation, gorge-cutting, and long-term basin evolution.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Evolution of the Himalayan Rivers > p. 6
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SHIFTING COURSES OF THE RIVERS > p. 24
🔗 Anchor: "Do river Teesta and river Brahmaputra originate from the same source?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 River-linked hydroelectric projects at state level
💡 The insight

Reference [10] ties the Teesta river to Sikkim via named hydro-electric projects (Teesta Dam), showing how rivers enable state infrastructure.

High-yield for UPSC: links physical geography with economic infrastructure and state development; useful for questions on resource-based projects, inter-state planning, and energy policy. Connects to topics on river management, dams, and regional development.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Table 8.9 > p. 19
🔗 Anchor: "Does river Teesta flow through the Indian state of Sikkim?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Flood-prone rivers of Northeast India
💡 The insight

Reference [7] groups Teesta with other rivers (Jaldakha, Torsa) noted for overflowing and flooding Sikkim and nearby areas.

Important for disaster management and physical geography questions: helps answer queries on monsoon impacts, flood zones, and river dynamics in the Northeast. Enables linkage to climate, soil erosion, and human settlement vulnerability in UPSC answers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > 2. The Brahmaputra River Basin > p. 49
🔗 Anchor: "Does river Teesta flow through the Indian state of Sikkim?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Interstate and transboundary nature of Indian rivers
💡 The insight

Reference [1] highlights that many Indian rivers flow across national and regional boundaries, a context relevant when locating a river within a state like Sikkim.

Useful for questions on water-sharing, international agreements, and river basin management; helps frame answers about rivers that traverse states/countries and impacts on policy and diplomacy.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS FOR SURFACE WATER RESOURCES > p. 39
🔗 Anchor: "Does river Teesta flow through the Indian state of Sikkim?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Origins of Himalayan rivers (glaciers, passes, mountain slopes)
💡 The insight

The references discuss river origins in Himalayan glaciers, passes and mountain slopes, which is the same theme as Rangeet's origin.

High-yield for UPSC geography: many questions ask where Himalayan rivers originate and why (glacial sources, passes, southern slopes). Mastering this helps answer questions on drainage patterns, river regimes and hydrography; connect to physical geography and resource management topics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Evolution of the Himalayan Rivers > p. 6
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 3. Source of Perennial Rivers > p. 29
🔗 Anchor: "Does river Rangeet originate in the Indian state of Sikkim?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The Sankosh River. It forms the boundary between West Bengal and Assam, and eventually joins the Brahmaputra. UPSC often shifts focus to the 'next' tributary in the sequence (Teesta -> Sankosh -> Manas).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the 'Scale Mismatch' logic for Statement 1. The Brahmaputra is a massive trans-Himalayan river originating near Mansarovar (Tibet). The Teesta is known as the 'Lifeline of Sikkim'. If Teesta had the *same* source as the Brahmaputra, it would have to traverse the entire breadth of the Himalayas like the Indus or Sutlej, making it a much longer and more famous trans-boundary giant than it is. The geography doesn't fit.

🔗 Mains Connection

International Relations (Hydro-diplomacy). The Teesta Water Sharing agreement is a major geopolitical flashpoint between India and Bangladesh. Geography questions often stem from unresolved diplomatic issues.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2005 · Q44 Relevance score: 0.60

Consider the following statements 1. Tista river flows through Arunachal Pradesh. 2. Tista river falls into the Brahmaputra. Which of the statements givern above is/are correct ?

CDS-I · 2016 · Q38 Relevance score: 0.25

Consider the following tributaries of river Brahmaputra: 1. Lohit 2. Tista 3. Subansiri 4. Sankosh Arrange the above rivers from west to east:

CAPF · 2021 · Q100 Relevance score: -0.07

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List-I (Tributary) List-II (River) A. Sutlej 1. Yamuna B. Kosi 2. Brahmaputra C. Teesta 3. Ganga D. Chambal 4. Indus

CDS-II · 2024 · Q114 Relevance score: -0.13

Consider the following statements regarding the rivers of India: 1. The Barak River, the head stream of the Meghna, rises in the hills of Meghalaya. 2. The Ghaggar River does not drain out to the sea and gets lost in the Rajasthan desert. 3. Puthimari and Manas are important tributaries of the Brahmaputra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2008 · Q23 Relevance score: -0.20

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?