UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 35 of 96
UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Sutlej Antecedent Drainage
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2026
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeStatement
Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information:
1. It has an antecedent drainage system.
2. It flows through three countries.
3. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.
4. It does not form distributaries.
Select the answer from the following:
Show answer
Answer: C. Sutlej
The Satluj originates in the 'Raksas tal' near Mansarovar at an altitude of 4,555 m in Tibet, where it is known as Langchen Khambab. It flows almost parallel to the Indus for about 400 km before entering India, and comes out of a gorge at Rupar. It passes through the Shipki La on the Himalayan ranges and enters the Punjab plains.
It is an antecedent river, which satisfies the first clue. It flows through China (Tibet), India and Pakistan, satisfying the second clue. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is a very important tributary as it feeds the canal system of the Bhakra Nangal project, satisfying the third clue. It also does not form distributaries, satisfying the fourth clue.
Hence option (c) is the correct answer.