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Q38 (IAS/2019) Geography › Indian Physical Geography › Himalayan river systems Official Key

Consider the following pairs : Glacier River 1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna 2. Bara Shigri : Chenab 3. Milam : Mandakini 4. Siachen : Nubra 5. Zemu : Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is option A (pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched).

**Pair 1 (Bandarpunch-Yamuna)** is correct: The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier on the western slopes of Banderpunch range (6,316 m)[2], establishing a direct connection between Bandarpunch and the Yamuna River.

**Pair 2 (Bara Shigri-Chenab)** is correct: Bara Shigri glacier is located in Chandra Valley of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh and is a source of water for River Chenab[3]. Additionally, the Chenab is known as Chandra-Bhaga in Himachal Pradesh, and the Chandra and Bhaga tributaries originate on either side of the Bara-Lacha Pass in Lahul District[4].

**Pair 4 (Siachen-Nubra)** is correct: Nubra river emerges from the Karakoram glaciers[5], and the Shyok-Nubra tributaries arise from the Siachen Glacier (Karakoram Range)[6].

**Pair 3 (Milam-Mandakini)** is incorrect because Milam glacier is the major source of River Gori Ganga[3], not Mandakini. **Pair 5 (Zemu-Manas)** is incorrect as Zemu glacier feeds River Teesta[7], not Manas.

Sources
  1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Yamuna River > p. 13
  2. [2] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > Do you Know? > p. 22
  3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 25
  4. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Chenab (Asikni) > p. 10
  5. [5] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
  6. [6] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 1. The Indus (Sindhu) > p. 9
  7. [7] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
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Q. Consider the following pairs : Glacier River 1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna 2. Bara Shigri : Chenab 3. Milam : Mandakini 4. Siachen : Nubra 5. …
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 6/10 · 0/10

This is a textbook 'Table-Lift' question. The pairs are directly sourced from the 'List of Glaciers' tables found in standard books like Majid Husain (Table 2.3) and NCERT. It rewards rote memorization of specific Glacier-River linkages rather than conceptual understanding.

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
In the Indian Himalaya, is the Bandarpunch glacier a source or main feeder of the Yamuna River?
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 Yamuna River > p. 13
Presence: 5/5
“This is the longest (1380 km) and the western-most tributary of the Ganga. Its source lies in the Yamunotri Glacier on the western slopes of Banderpunch (6316 m). Downwards, it is joined by Tons river behind the Mussoorie Range (Uttarakhand). From the Mussoorie Range, it debouches into the plains where it flows in a broad curve. Making a boundary between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, it passes Delhi, Mathura, Agra and flows southward until it joins the Ganga at Allahabad. The important tributaries of the Yamuna are mostly the right bank tributaries, originating from the Aravallis (Rajasthan), Vindhyan Range, and the Malwa Plateau of Madhya Pradesh.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies the Yamuna's source as the Yamunotri Glacier located on the western slopes of Banderpunch (6316 m).
  • Directly links the Banderpunch massif area with the origin of the Yamuna River.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > Do you Know? > p. 22
Presence: 5/5
“river system is the largest in India having a number of perennial and non-perennial rivers originating in the Himalayas in the north and the Peninsula in the south, respectively. The Son is its major right bank tributary. The important left bank tributaries are the Ramganga, the Gomati, the Ghaghara, the Gandak, the Kosi and the Mahananda. The river finally discharges itself into the Bay of Bengal near the Sagar Island. The Yamuna, the western most and the longest tributary of the Ganga, has its source in the Yamunotri glacier on the western slopes of Banderpunch range (6,316 m). It joins the Ganga at Prayag (Allahabad).”
Why this source?
  • States the Yamuna is the westernmost longest tributary of the Ganga and has its source in the Yamunotri Glacier on the western slopes of Banderpunch range (6,316 m).
  • Reinforces the Bandarpunch–Yamunotri connection and the river's Himalayan glacial origin.
CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Ganga River System > p. 20
Presence: 4/5
“The Ganga is joined by many tributaries from the Himalayas, a few of them being major rivers, such as the Yamuna, the Ghaghara, the Gandak and the Kosi. The river Yamuna rises from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas. It flows parallel to the Ganga and as a right bank tributary meets the Ganga at Allahabad. The Ghaghara, the Gandak and the Kosi rise in the Nepal Himalaya. They are the rivers, which flood parts of the northern plains every year, causing widespread damage to life and property, whereas, they enrich the soil for agricultural use. The main tributaries, which come from the peninsular uplands, are the Chambal, the Betwa and the Son.”
Why this source?
  • Confirms the Yamuna rises from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
  • Provides independent support that the Yamuna's primary source is a Himalayan glacier (Yamunotri).
Statement 2
In the Indian Himalaya, is the Bara Shigri glacier a source or main feeder of the Chenab River?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 25
Presence: 5/5
“• Name of The Glacier: Milam; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 2290; Important Features: Major source of River Gori Ganga Biggest glacier in Kumaon Himalaya • Name of The Glacier: Rupal; Location: Kashmir; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 6326; Important Features: Located in Greater Himalaya it flows northeastward • Name of The Glacier: Gangri; Location: Nun Kun Mountains; Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 13; Altitude (M): 7135; Important Features: Largest glacier in the Nun Kun peak • Name of The Glacier: Bara Shigri; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh; Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): ~4570; Important Features: Second longest glacier in Himalaya Source of water for River Chenab It has deposits of antimony • Name of The Glacier: Diamir (Nanga Parbat); Location: Kashmir (Pakistan Occupied); Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): 4203; Important Features: Diamir mountains are known as 'King of Mountains' and are the World's tallest mountains • Name of The Glacier: Pindari; Location: Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 3; Altitude (M): 3353; Important Features: Gives rise to River Pindari • Name of The Glacier: Chong Kumdan; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 21; Altitude (M): 7071; Important Features: Ladakh; they feed and are a threat to Shyok River and might block it • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Feeds Shigar River”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly names Bara Shigri in the Chandra Valley (Lahaul) and labels it as 'Source of water for River Chenab'.
  • Places the glacier in the correct valley (Chandra) that is tied to Chenab headwaters.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Chenab (Asikni) > p. 10
Presence: 4/5
“It flows in India for about 1180 km draining 26,755 sq km of area in India. The river Chenab is known as Chandra-Bhaga in Himachal Pradesh. The Chandra and Bhaga, the two main upper tributaries of the river, originate on either side of the Bara-Lacha Pass (4843 m) in the Lahul District of Himachal Pradesh. Of these streams, Chandra originates from the glacier east of the Bara-Lacha Pass while the Bhaga originates from the Surya Taal and make a confluence at Tandi. After uniting, the Chenab flows between the Pir-Panjal and the Greater Himalayas. Near Kishtwar, it makes a hair pin bend and flows across the Pir-Panjal at Riasi to enter into Pakistan.”
Why this source?
  • Describes Chenab's upper tributaries as Chandra and Bhaga originating near Bara-Lacha Pass in Lahaul.
  • Links the Chandra tributary (Chandra-Bhaga system) to the formation of the Chenab, supporting Bara Shigri's role via its Chandra-valley location.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Table 3.3 > p. 18
Presence: 3/5
“Kailash; Length (km): 2880; Main Tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Satluj • River: The Jhelum; Source: Chashma Verinag in the Kashmir Valley; Length (km): 725 km but in India it is 165 km; Main Tributaries: Sandran River, Bringi river, Aripath, Rambiara Stream, Romuhi stream, Sasara Stream, Nallah Lidder, Nallah Sindh, Nallah Vishow, Dudhganga River, Pohore • River: The Chenab (Chandrabhaga); Source: Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh; Length (km): 960; Main Tributaries: Stream Chandra, Stream Bhaga, The Miyar Nallah, The Bhut Nallah, The Marusudar, The Tawi River, The Niru • River: The Ravi; Source: Near Rohtang Pass; Length (km): 725; Main Tributaries: River Bhadal, River Siul, River Baira, River Tant Gari • River: The Beas; Source: Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass; Length (km): 460; Main Tributaries: Bain, Bangana, Luni, Uhal, Banner, Chakki, Gaj, Harla, Mamuni, Parvati, Patlikuhlal, Sainj, Suketi, Tirthan • River: The Satluj; Source: Manasarovar-Rakas Lakes; Length (km): 1450 km in total and 1050 km in India; Main Tributaries: Baspa, Spiti, Nogli Khad, Soan • River: The Ganga (Bhagirathi); Source: Gangotri Glacier in Garhwal, Himalaya; Length (km): 2525; Main Tributaries: Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandaki, Kosi, Yamuna, Son, Punpun, Damodar • River: The Yamuna; Source: Yamunotri Glacier near Bandarpoonch peaks in the Mussoorie; Length (km): 1376; Main Tributaries: Tons, Chambal, Hindon, Betwa, Ken, Giri, Sind, Uttangan, Sengar, Rind • River: The Brahmaputra; Source: Kailash Ranges; Length (km): 2900; Main Tributaries: Lohit, Dibang, Subansiri, Jiabharali, Dhansiri, Manas, Torsa, Sankosh, Teesta, Burhidihing, Desang, Dikhow, Dhansiri, Kopili Source: India WRIS-Wiki Water Resources Systems of India”
Why this source?
  • Identifies the Chenab's source region as the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh, consistent with Bara Shigri's location.
  • Supports geographic context tying named glaciers in Lahaul to the Chenab system.
Statement 3
In the Indian Himalaya, is the Milam glacier a source of the Mandakini River?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 25
Strength: 5/5
“• Name of The Glacier: Milam; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 2290; Important Features: Major source of River Gori Ganga Biggest glacier in Kumaon Himalaya • Name of The Glacier: Rupal; Location: Kashmir; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 6326; Important Features: Located in Greater Himalaya it flows northeastward • Name of The Glacier: Gangri; Location: Nun Kun Mountains; Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 13; Altitude (M): 7135; Important Features: Largest glacier in the Nun Kun peak • Name of The Glacier: Bara Shigri; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh; Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): ~4570; Important Features: Second longest glacier in Himalaya Source of water for River Chenab It has deposits of antimony • Name of The Glacier: Diamir (Nanga Parbat); Location: Kashmir (Pakistan Occupied); Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): 4203; Important Features: Diamir mountains are known as 'King of Mountains' and are the World's tallest mountains • Name of The Glacier: Pindari; Location: Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 3; Altitude (M): 3353; Important Features: Gives rise to River Pindari • Name of The Glacier: Chong Kumdan; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 21; Altitude (M): 7071; Important Features: Ladakh; they feed and are a threat to Shyok River and might block it • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Feeds Shigar River”
Why relevant

Lists Milam glacier as the major source of the Gori Ganga (Goriganga) in Uttarakhand, tying Milam to Gori/Goriganga rather than Mandakini.

How to extend

Using a map or basic regional knowledge, note that Gori Ganga (from Milam) and Mandakini are separate river systems in different parts of the Kumaon/Garhwal Himalaya.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Five Confluences in the upper reaches of Ganga > p. 12
Strength: 5/5
“• Rivers: R. Alaknanda (Source: Satopanth Glacier); Confluence: Vishnu Prayag • Rivers: R. Dhauli Ganga (Source: Mana Glacier); Confluence: • Rivers: R. Alaknanda and R. Nandakni (Source: Trishul Glacier); Confluence: Nand Prayag • Rivers: R. Alaknanda and R. Pindari (Source: Pindari Glacier); Confluence: Karan Prayag • Rivers: R. Alaknanda and R. Mandakini or Kali-Ganga (Source: Chorabari Glacier); Confluence: Rudra Prayag • Rivers: R. Alaknanda and R. Bhagirathi (Source: Gaumukh or Gangotri Glacier); Confluence: Dev Prayag After the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda, the river is known as Ganga. After crossing about 289 km from its source, the Ganga reaches Hardwar debouches from the hills and enters plain area.”
Why relevant

States that the Mandakini (Kali Ganga) originates from the Chorabari Glacier and meets the Alaknanda at Rudra Prayag — giving an explicit, different source for Mandakini.

How to extend

Compare the geographic locations of Chorabari Glacier (source of Mandakini) and Milam Glacier on a map to see they are distinct.

INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Ganga System > p. 21
Strength: 4/5
“The Ganga is the most important river of India both from the point of view of its basin and cultural significance. It rises in the Gangotri glacier near Gaumukh (3,900 m) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Here, it is known as the Bhagirathi. It cuts through the Central and the Lesser Himalayas in narrow gorges. At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda; hereafter, it is known as the Ganga. The Alaknanda has its source in the Satopanth glacier above Badrinath. The Alaknanda consists of the Dhauli and the Vishnu Ganga which meet at Joshimath or Vishnu Prayag. The other tributaries of Alaknanda such as the Pindar joins it at Karna Prayag while Mandakini or Kali Ganga meets it at Rudra Prayag.”
Why relevant

Notes Mandakini (Kali Ganga) joins Alaknanda at Rudra Prayag, confirming Mandakini's role and identity in the upper Ganga system.

How to extend

Locate Rudra Prayag and trace upstream to the Mandakini source to verify that it is not Milam.

INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > Do you Know? > p. 22
Strength: 4/5
“The Damodar occupies the eastern margins of the Chotanagpur Plateau where it flows through a rift valley and finally joins the Hugli. The Barakar is its main tributary. Once known as the 'sorrow of Bengal', the Damodar has been now tamed by the Damodar Valley corporation, a multipurpose project. The Sarda or Saryu river rises in the Milam glacier in the Nepal Himalayas where it is known as the Goriganga. Along the Indo-Nepal border, it is called Kali or Chauk, where it joins the Ghaghara. The Mahananda is another important tributary of the Ganga rising in the Darjiling hills. It joins the Ganga as its last left bank tributary in West Bengal.”
Why relevant

Associates the Milam/Milam-region glacier with the river known as Goriganga (Sarda) along the Indo-Nepal border, reinforcing Milam→Gori/Goriganga linkage.

How to extend

Use the stated Milam→Goriganga link plus a map of Indo-Nepal border rivers to distinguish Goriganga's course from Mandakini's.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 3. Source of Perennial Rivers > p. 29
Strength: 3/5
“Most of the perennial rivers of northern India have their origin in the glaciers, lakes, and springs of the Himalaya. These rivers sustain the teeming millions of the India population.”
Why relevant

Gives a general rule that most perennial northern rivers originate in Himalayan glaciers, so identifying glacier names gives direct clues to river sources.

How to extend

Apply this rule: if a glacier is named as the source of a specific river (e.g., Milam→Gori Ganga, Chorabari→Mandakini), then that glacier is unlikely to be the source of a different named river.

Statement 4
In the Indian Himalaya, is the Siachen glacier the source of the Nubra River?
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 > 1. The Indus (Sindhu) > p. 9
Presence: 5/5
“Moving north-westward, the Indus is joined by the Shyok-Nubra tributaries. These tributaries arise from the Siachen Glacier (Karakoram Range). At Skardu, at a little distance below the Shyok, the Shigar river, which drains the northern slopes of Mt. K2, meets river Indus. In this region, River Indus is more wide than in Ladakh. The transverse glaciers and landslides periodically dam the river. The Gilgit is another important tributary which comes from the west to join Indus. Downwards, the Indus crosses the Central Himalayan Range through a huge synclinal gorge. The Indus makes saveral deep gorges. The deepest of all is at Gilgit, which is 5200 m in height above the level of the water at its bed.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the Shyok–Nubra tributaries arise from the Siachen Glacier (Karakoram Range).
  • Directly links Siachen Glacier meltwater to the Nubra/Shyok branch of the Indus drainage.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
Presence: 4/5
“Situated near Karakoram, the Siachin glacier is about 75 km long and 2 to 8 km wide. This glacier is about 5800 m above the sea-level with an average temperature of–50°C. The glacier lies to the north-west of K 2 in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and pierced through the Saltoro Range. The Karakoram Highway between China and Pakistan is very close to the glacier. Hence, the Siachin glacier has great strategic importance. India occupies about two-third area of the glacier in its south eastern part. Here, Nubra river emerges from the Karakoram glaciers and meet the Shyok river which is a tributary of the Indus river.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the Siachen glacier in the Karakoram and immediately notes Nubra river emerging from Karakoram glaciers in the same context.
  • Places Siachen within the Nubra valley region, supporting its role as a local glacier source.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
Presence: 3/5
“Main Glaciers of the Himalayan Region • Name of The Glacier: Siachen; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 76; Altitude (M): 5400; Important Features: Largest in Nubra Valley of the Himalaya and second longest glacier outside the Polar region • Name of The Glacier: Biafo; Location: Karakoram (Baltistan region of Ladakh); Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Flows into Shigar River • Name of The Glacier: Chogo Lungma; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 50; Altitude (M): 5016; Important Features: Located in Gilgit Baltistan • Name of The Glacier: Gangotri; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 28; Altitude (M): 3415; Important Features: Originates below the Chaukhamba Peak and it is also known as 'Gomukh' • Name of The Glacier: Rimo; Location: Siachen Area of Ladakh; Length (Km): 40; Altitude (M): 7385; Important Features: Drains in the Shyok River • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Gilgit-Baltistan; Length (Km): 63; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: World's longest glacial system • Name of The Glacier: Zemu; Location: Sikkim/Nepal; Length (Km): 26; Altitude (M): 300; Important Features: Largest glacier in Eastern Himalaya and it feeds River Teesta • Name of The Glacier: Drang Drung; Location: Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 23; Altitude (M): 4780; Important Features: It lies in the Zanskar range in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir • Name of The Glacier: Shafat; Location: Eastern Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 14; Altitude (M): 4400; Important Features: Gives rise to the peaks of Nun and Kun The melted water flows into Suru River • Name of The Glacier: Sonapani; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul and Spiti region; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 4000; Important Features: Longest glacier of the Pir Panjal range near the Rohtang Pass”
Why this source?
  • Lists Siachen as the largest glacier in the Nubra Valley, linking the glacier geographically to the valley drained by the Nubra River.
  • Provides a mapped/glacial association that supports Siachen being the principal glacier in Nubra Valley.
Statement 5
In the Indian Himalaya, is the Zemu glacier the source of the Manas River?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
Strength: 5/5
“Main Glaciers of the Himalayan Region • Name of The Glacier: Siachen; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 76; Altitude (M): 5400; Important Features: Largest in Nubra Valley of the Himalaya and second longest glacier outside the Polar region • Name of The Glacier: Biafo; Location: Karakoram (Baltistan region of Ladakh); Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Flows into Shigar River • Name of The Glacier: Chogo Lungma; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 50; Altitude (M): 5016; Important Features: Located in Gilgit Baltistan • Name of The Glacier: Gangotri; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 28; Altitude (M): 3415; Important Features: Originates below the Chaukhamba Peak and it is also known as 'Gomukh' • Name of The Glacier: Rimo; Location: Siachen Area of Ladakh; Length (Km): 40; Altitude (M): 7385; Important Features: Drains in the Shyok River • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Gilgit-Baltistan; Length (Km): 63; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: World's longest glacial system • Name of The Glacier: Zemu; Location: Sikkim/Nepal; Length (Km): 26; Altitude (M): 300; Important Features: Largest glacier in Eastern Himalaya and it feeds River Teesta • Name of The Glacier: Drang Drung; Location: Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 23; Altitude (M): 4780; Important Features: It lies in the Zanskar range in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir • Name of The Glacier: Shafat; Location: Eastern Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 14; Altitude (M): 4400; Important Features: Gives rise to the peaks of Nun and Kun The melted water flows into Suru River • Name of The Glacier: Sonapani; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul and Spiti region; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 4000; Important Features: Longest glacier of the Pir Panjal range near the Rohtang Pass”
Why relevant

This table explicitly states 'Zemu' is in Sikkim/Nepal and 'it feeds River Teesta', giving a direct glacier→river pairing for Zemu.

How to extend

A student can use this to suspect Zemu is linked to Teesta (not Manas) and then check maps/river courses to see where Manas originates relative to Teesta/Zemu.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Evolution of the Himalayan Rivers > p. 6
Strength: 4/5
“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 Manas among Himalayan rivers that 'originate on the southern slopes of the Tibetan Highlands', indicating a general source region for Manas.

How to extend

Combine this with a map to locate Manas' headwaters and compare that location to Zemu's location in Sikkim to judge if Zemu could be Manas' source.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 3. Source of Perennial Rivers > p. 29
Strength: 4/5
“Most of the perennial rivers of northern India have their origin in the glaciers, lakes, and springs of the Himalaya. These rivers sustain the teeming millions of the India population.”
Why relevant

States most perennial northern Indian rivers originate in Himalayan glaciers, framing the general expectation that a named glacier often corresponds to a river source.

How to extend

Use this rule to look for the specific glacier named as a headwater on maps or gazetteers for the Manas, and see whether Zemu is listed.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Five Confluences in the upper reaches of Ganga > p. 12
Strength: 3/5
“• Rivers: R. Alaknanda (Source: Satopanth Glacier); Confluence: Vishnu Prayag • Rivers: R. Dhauli Ganga (Source: Mana Glacier); Confluence: • Rivers: R. Alaknanda and R. Nandakni (Source: Trishul Glacier); Confluence: Nand Prayag • Rivers: R. Alaknanda and R. Pindari (Source: Pindari Glacier); Confluence: Karan Prayag • Rivers: R. Alaknanda and R. Mandakini or Kali-Ganga (Source: Chorabari Glacier); Confluence: Rudra Prayag • Rivers: R. Alaknanda and R. Bhagirathi (Source: Gaumukh or Gangotri Glacier); Confluence: Dev Prayag After the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda, the river is known as Ganga. After crossing about 289 km from its source, the Ganga reaches Hardwar debouches from the hills and enters plain area.”
Why relevant

Provides concrete examples of glaciers (e.g., Satopanth, Mana, Gangotri, Pindari) being cited as specific river sources, illustrating the pattern of glacier→named river origin.

How to extend

Apply the same checking method used for these examples: find authoritative source lists/maps that pair glaciers with the Manas headwater to test if Zemu appears.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Landforms and their Evolution > GLACIERS > p. 54
Strength: 3/5
“Higher reaches of Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, are places to see some of them. Do you know where one can see river Bhagirathi is basically fed by meltwaters from under the snout (Gaumukh) of the Gangotri glacier. In fact, Alkapuri glacier feeds waters to Alakananda river. Rivers Alkananda and Bhagirathi join to make river Ganga near Deoprayag. Erosion by glaciers is tremendous because of friction caused by sheer weight of the ice. The material plucked from the land by glaciers (usually large-sized angular blocks and fragments) get dragged along the floors or sides of the valleys and cause great damage through abrasion and plucking.”
Why relevant

Explains glacier snouts (e.g., Gaumukh of Gangotri) feeding named rivers, reinforcing the concept that precise glacier identification is used to assign river sources.

How to extend

Use glacial snout locations and river flow directions on a map to see whether Zemu's snout could feed the Manas catchment.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC creates 'False Pairs' by mixing famous entities from the same general region. Milam and Mandakini are both Uttarakhand, but Milam feeds Goriganga while Mandakini comes from Chorabari. The test is on precision, not just regional awareness.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter (if you read Majid Husain Tables) / Trap (if you guessed by region). Source: Majid Husain, Chapter 2, Table 2.3 'Main Glaciers of the Himalayan Region'.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Drainage System > Himalayan Rivers > Specific Headwaters. The shift from asking 'Which state?' to 'Which specific glacier?'.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Rejected' pairs and their neighbors: Zemu → Teesta; Chorabari → Mandakini; Satopanth → Alaknanda; Rimo → Shyok; Hispar → Shigar; Gangotri → Bhagirathi.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying rivers, never stop at 'Origin: Himalayas'. You must map the specific 'Snout' (Glacier) to the 'Headstream'. Use the 'Panch Prayag' logic to trace sources upstream (e.g., Alaknanda starts at Satopanth, not Gangotri).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Yamuna origin: Yamunotri on Bandarpunch
💡 The insight

The Yamuna originates at the Yamunotri Glacier situated on the western slopes of the Bandarpunch massif.

High-yield for questions on Himalayan river origins and source locations; links physical geography (glacial sources) with river course and human geography (cities along the Yamuna). Mastery helps answer source-location, drainage-basin, and river-system mapping questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Yamuna River > p. 13
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > Do you Know? > p. 22
🔗 Anchor: "In the Indian Himalaya, is the Bandarpunch glacier a source or main feeder of th..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Glacial origins of perennial Himalayan rivers
💡 The insight

Major northern Indian rivers, including the Yamuna, derive their perennial flow from Himalayan glaciers and snowfields.

Essential for topics on river regimes, water resources, and climate impact on hydrology; connects to questions on seasonal flow variability, irrigation, and downstream settlement patterns. Enables comparison-type questions across river systems.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 3. Source of Perennial Rivers > p. 29
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Ganga River System > p. 20
🔗 Anchor: "In the Indian Himalaya, is the Bandarpunch glacier a source or main feeder of th..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Yamuna as a major right-bank tributary of the Ganga
💡 The insight

The Yamuna is the westernmost and longest tributary of the Ganga, joining it at Prayag/Allahabad.

Important for syllabus items on Indo-Gangetic drainage, basin interrelationships, and regional river politics; helps in tackling map-based, comparative river-system, and inter-state river questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Yamuna River > p. 13
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > Do you Know? > p. 22
🔗 Anchor: "In the Indian Himalaya, is the Bandarpunch glacier a source or main feeder of th..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Glacial origins of Himalayan perennial rivers
💡 The insight

Glaciers in the Himalaya provide meltwater that forms and sustains perennial rivers such as the Chenab, Indus and Brahmaputra.

High-yield for UPSC physical geography and environment topics: explains river source regions, seasonal flows, and links to water security and hydropower. Mastery helps answer map-based source questions and climate-change impacts on river regimes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > zJ.z.S. Impacts an Himalayan Glaciers > p. 300
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 3. Source of Perennial Rivers > p. 29
🔗 Anchor: "In the Indian Himalaya, is the Bara Shigri glacier a source or main feeder of th..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Chandra–Bhaga (Chandrabhaga) as Chenab headwaters
💡 The insight

The Chenab is formed from the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga streams in Lahaul, with their origins near Bara-Lacha Pass.

Essential for questions on river systems and inter-state river geography; aids in tracing tributary networks, planning hydrological projects, and answering source-location MCQs and descriptive answers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Chenab (Asikni) > p. 10
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Table 3.3 > p. 18
🔗 Anchor: "In the Indian Himalaya, is the Bara Shigri glacier a source or main feeder of th..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Glacier-to-river mapping (identify named glaciers and their river feeds)
💡 The insight

Specific glaciers (e.g., Bara Shigri) are tied to particular rivers; knowing these mappings identifies river headwaters precisely.

Useful for objective and descriptive questions asking 'which glacier feeds which river' and for map labeling; integrates with topics on glacier retreat, river basin management, and regional physiography.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 25
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Chenab (Asikni) > p. 10
🔗 Anchor: "In the Indian Himalaya, is the Bara Shigri glacier a source or main feeder of th..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Glacier origins of Himalayan rivers
💡 The insight

Many Himalayan rivers are explicitly identified as originating from specific glaciers (e.g., Milam → Gori/Goriganga; Chorabari → Mandakini; Gangotri → Bhagirathi).

High-yield for physical geography questions: knowing which glacier feeds which river helps answer source-origin and basin questions, link hydrology to regional physiography, and solve map-based items about river courses and catchments.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 25
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Five Confluences in the upper reaches of Ganga > p. 12
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > The Ganga System > p. 21
🔗 Anchor: "In the Indian Himalaya, is the Milam glacier a source of the Mandakini River?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Rimo Glacier: Located in the Siachen area (Karakoram), but it drains into the Shyok River, not the Nubra. This is a high-probability trap for a future 'Consider the following pairs' question.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Kedarnath' Logic: Mandakini is the river of Kedarnath. The 2013 tragedy made 'Chorabari Glacier' (the source of the flood) famous. If you recalled Kedarnath = Chorabari, you eliminate Pair 3 immediately. Similarly, Zemu is the pride of Sikkim (Teesta), while Manas is an Assam/Bhutan giant. This mismatch eliminates Pair 5.

🔗 Mains Connection

Disaster Management (GLOFs): Link Zemu Glacier (Sikkim) to the Teesta River and the recent South Lhonak Lake outburst. Glacial thinning in Zemu is a direct Mains case study for Climate Change impact on Hydrology.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2008 · Q23 Relevance score: 2.67

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?

CDS-II · 2024 · Q40 Relevance score: -0.85

Which of the following pairs of Himalayan Glaciers and their location is/are correctly matched? 1. Siachen - Nubra Valley Region 2. Chungphar - Kumaon-Garhwal Region 3. Zemu - Central Nepal Region 4. Gasherbrum - Pir Panjal Range

IAS · 2022 · Q75 Relevance score: -1.76

Consider the following pairs : Peak Mountains 1. Namcha Barwa - Garhwal Himalaya 2. Nanda Devi - Kumaon Himalaya 3. Nokrek - Sikkim Himalaya Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?

IAS · 2020 · Q38 Relevance score: -2.02

Consider the following pairs : River Flows into The 1. Mekong - Andaman Sea 2. Thames - Irish Sea 3. Volga - Caspian Sea 4. Zambezi - Indian Ocean Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?