River System & Tributaries MCQs
Assam General Knowledge
Module 21: Assam Maps, Locations & Physical Features MCQs
Topic: River System & Tributaries MCQs
Sub-Topic I: Overview of Assam’s River System
Q1. The river system of Assam is dominated by which major river?
A. Barak
B. Subansiri
C. Kopili
D. Brahmaputra
Correct Answer: D. Brahmaputra
Explanation:
The Brahmaputra River is the lifeline of Assam, forming the largest river system and shaping the state’s geography, economy, and settlement patterns.
Q2. The Brahmaputra enters Assam from which direction?
A. South
B. West
C. East
D. North
Correct Answer: C. East
Explanation:
The Brahmaputra enters Assam from Arunachal Pradesh in the east, flowing westward across the Assam valley.
Q3. Which river system dominates southern Assam (Barak Valley)?
A. Brahmaputra system
B. Kopili system
C. Barak system
D. Dhansiri system
Correct Answer: C. Barak system
Explanation:
Southern Assam is drained mainly by the Barak River system, which is distinct from the Brahmaputra basin.
Q4. Assam’s rivers primarily drain into which water body?
A. Bay of Bengal
B. Arabian Sea
C. Indian Ocean directly
D. Andaman Sea
Correct Answer: A. Bay of Bengal
Explanation:
Both the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems ultimately drain into the Bay of Bengal.
Q5. Assam’s river system is most closely associated with which physical region?
A. Deccan Plateau
B. Himalayan foothills
C. Coastal plains
D. Western Ghats
Correct Answer: B. Himalayan foothills
Explanation:
Most rivers originate from the Eastern Himalayas and Patkai ranges, flowing through Assam’s plains.
Sub-Topic II: The Brahmaputra River in Assam
Q6. What is the local name of the Brahmaputra in Assam?
A. Tsangpo
B. Jamuna
C. Luit
D. Meghna
Correct Answer: C. Luit
Explanation:
In Assamese tradition, the Brahmaputra is affectionately known as the Luit, reflecting its cultural significance.
Q7. The Brahmaputra flows through Assam from:
A. South to North
B. North to South
C. East to West
D. West to East
Correct Answer: C. East to West
Explanation:
Across Assam, the river follows an east-to-west course, forming the extensive Brahmaputra Valley.
Q8. Which characteristic is typical of the Brahmaputra in Assam?
A. Narrow and deep channel
B. Slow-moving with rocky bed
C. Braided channel with sandbars
D. Underground flow
Correct Answer: C. Braided channel with sandbars
Explanation:
The Brahmaputra is a braided river, known for chars (riverine islands) and shifting channels.
Q9. Floods in Assam are mainly caused by:
A. Tidal waves
B. Volcanic activity
C. Brahmaputra and its tributaries
D. Groundwater rise
Correct Answer: C. Brahmaputra and its tributaries
Explanation:
Heavy monsoon rainfall and silt-laden tributaries make the Brahmaputra highly flood-prone.
Q10. Which island in the Brahmaputra is one of the world’s largest river islands?
A. Majuli
B. Umananda
C. Dibru
D. Panidihing
Correct Answer: A. Majuli
Explanation:
Majuli, formed by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, is among the largest river islands in the world.
Sub-Topic III: North Bank Tributaries of the Brahmaputra
Q11. Which is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra in Assam?
A. Kopili
B. Subansiri
C. Dhansiri (South)
D. Barak
Correct Answer: B. Subansiri
Explanation:
The Subansiri River is the largest north bank tributary, originating in the Himalayas.
Q12. The Subansiri River originates from:
A. Patkai Range
B. Garo Hills
C. Eastern Himalayas
D. Karbi Plateau
Correct Answer: C. Eastern Himalayas
Explanation:
Subansiri rises in the Eastern Himalayas, bringing heavy sediment into the Brahmaputra.
Q13. Which of the following is a north bank tributary?
A. Kopili
B. Burhidihing
C. Dhansiri (South)
D. Barak
Correct Answer: B. Burhidihing
Explanation:
Burhidihing flows from the Patkai range and joins the Brahmaputra from the north bank.
Q14. Jia-Bharali (Kameng) River enters Assam from:
A. Meghalaya
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Nagaland
D. Manipur
Correct Answer: B. Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
The Jia-Bharali (Kameng) originates in Arunachal Pradesh and enters Assam from the north.
Q15. North bank tributaries are generally:
A. Short and slow
B. Glacier-fed and turbulent
C. Tidal in nature
D. Artificial canals
Correct Answer: B. Glacier-fed and turbulent
Explanation:
Originating in the Himalayas, north bank tributaries are fast-flowing and erosion-prone.
Sub-Topic IV: South Bank Tributaries of the Brahmaputra
Q16. Which is the most important south bank tributary of the Brahmaputra?
A. Manas
B. Kopili
C. Barak
D. Subansiri
Correct Answer: B. Kopili
Explanation:
The Kopili River is a major south bank tributary draining the Karbi Anglong plateau.
Q17. The Manas River is significant because it:
A. Forms a delta
B. Flows only in plains
C. Is associated with a national park
D. Is a tributary of Barak
Correct Answer: C. Is associated with a national park
Explanation:
The Manas River flows through Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q18. Dhansiri (South) originates from which region?
A. Eastern Himalayas
B. Patkai Range
C. Karbi Anglong Plateau
D. Garo Hills
Correct Answer: C. Karbi Anglong Plateau
Explanation:
The Dhansiri (South) drains the Karbi Anglong plateau before joining the Brahmaputra.
Q19. South bank tributaries are generally:
A. Longer than north bank rivers
B. Less turbulent
C. More silt-laden
D. Tidal rivers
Correct Answer: B. Less turbulent
Explanation:
Compared to Himalayan rivers, south bank tributaries are shorter and less turbulent.
Q20. Which south bank tributary flows partly through Meghalaya?
A. Kopili
B. Manas
C. Subansiri
D. Jia-Bharali
Correct Answer: A. Kopili
Explanation:
The Kopili River originates in the Meghalaya Plateau before entering Assam.
Sub-Topic V: Barak River System (Southern Assam)
Q21. The Barak River flows mainly through which region of Assam?
A. Upper Assam
B. Central Assam
C. Barak Valley
D. North Bank Plains
Correct Answer: C. Barak Valley
Explanation:
The Barak River drains southern Assam, forming the Barak Valley.
Q22. The Barak River splits into which two rivers in Bangladesh?
A. Padma and Meghna
B. Surma and Kushiyara
C. Jamuna and Teesta
D. Feni and Karnaphuli
Correct Answer: B. Surma and Kushiyara
Explanation:
After leaving India, the Barak divides into the Surma and Kushiyara rivers.
Q23. Which is a major tributary of the Barak River?
A. Kopili
B. Dhaleswari
C. Jatinga
D. Subansiri
Correct Answer: C. Jatinga
Explanation:
Jatinga River is an important tributary of the Barak system in southern Assam.
Q24. Compared to the Brahmaputra, the Barak River is:
A. Wider
B. Longer
C. Narrower and slower
D. Glacier-fed
Correct Answer: C. Narrower and slower
Explanation:
The Barak is narrower and relatively slow-flowing, with fewer braided channels.
Q25. The Barak River system mainly supports:
A. Tea cultivation only
B. Inland navigation
C. Wet rice cultivation
D. Desert agriculture
Correct Answer: C. Wet rice cultivation
Explanation:
Barak Valley rivers support paddy cultivation through fertile alluvial soils.
Sub-Topic VI: Exam-Oriented Analytical & Map-Based Questions
Q26. Which river system is more flood-prone in Assam?
A. Barak system
B. Kopili system
C. Brahmaputra system
D. Dhansiri system
Correct Answer: C. Brahmaputra system
Explanation:
The Brahmaputra’s large catchment, heavy rainfall, and silt load make it extremely flood-prone.
Q27. River systems of Assam are important for:
A. Only transportation
B. Agriculture and ecology
C. Mining activities
D. Urban planning only
Correct Answer: B. Agriculture and ecology
Explanation:
Rivers sustain agriculture, wetlands, biodiversity, and livelihoods in Assam.
Q28. Which factor most influences river erosion in Assam?
A. Wind action
B. Heavy monsoon rainfall
C. Earthquakes only
D. Tidal waves
Correct Answer: B. Heavy monsoon rainfall
Explanation:
Intense monsoon rainfall causes floods, erosion, and channel shifting.
Q29. Balanced river management in Assam is important to:
A. Stop all floods
B. Reduce agriculture
C. Control erosion and sustain livelihoods
D. Eliminate wetlands
Correct Answer: C. Control erosion and sustain livelihoods
Explanation:
Effective management helps reduce flood damage while preserving ecological balance.
Q30. Why are river system questions frequently asked in Assam GK exams?
A. They are static facts only
B. They link geography, economy, and environment
C. They are rarely updated
D. They have no practical relevance
Correct Answer: B. They link geography, economy, and environment
Explanation:
River systems connect physical geography with agriculture, floods, ecology, and development, making them high-value exam topics.
-
Assam Rivers and Tributaries MCQs
-
Brahmaputra River System MCQs Assam
-
Barak River System GK Questions
-
Assam Physical Geography MCQs
-
Assam River System for APSC Exam
-
Assam Geography Rivers MCQs
-
River System of Assam Questions with Answers
🔹 Why River System & Tributaries MCQs Are Important for Assam Exams
This comprehensive set of Assam River System & Tributaries MCQs is designed to strengthen candidates’ understanding of Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, north and south bank tributaries, flood behaviour, and regional geography of Assam.
Prepared strictly according to the Assam-specific General Knowledge syllabus, these MCQs are highly relevant for APSC, UPSC, Assam Police, TET, Forest, Banking, Grade III & IV, CEE, and all SEBA, AHSEC, ASSEB, CBSE, college, and university-level examinations across Assam. Regular practice of river-based questions helps aspirants connect maps, physical geography, environment, agriculture, and disaster management, a core focus area in Assam GK exams.
🔹 FAQ Section
FAQ 1: Are these Assam River System MCQs useful for APSC and Assam Police exams?
Yes. These MCQs are fully aligned with the APSC Assam General Knowledge syllabus and cover high-frequency exam topics.
FAQ 2: Do these questions cover both Brahmaputra and Barak river systems?
Yes. The MCQs comprehensively cover the Brahmaputra system, Barak system, and their important tributaries.
FAQ 3: Are these MCQs suitable for Assam school board exams?
Absolutely. They are equally relevant for SEBA, AHSEC, ASSEB, CBSE, and CEE, as well as college and university exams.
FAQ 4: Do the MCQs include easy explanations for beginners?
Yes. Each MCQ includes a clear, concept-based explanation, making it ideal for beginners and advanced aspirants alike.
FAQ 5: How should students study river system MCQs effectively?
Students should revise these MCQs along with Assam maps, flood-related topics, and physical geography notes, especially for prelims.