RAS question
The Jhelum River, part of the Indus system, flows through which Indian Union Territory?
Correct answer: (C) Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jhelum River, part of the Indus system, flows through the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Explanation
The Jhelum is tied to the Kashmir Valley, not to the other Union Territories. The river originates at Verinag spring in the south-eastern part of the Kashmir Valley, flows through Srinagar, receives drainage from Dal Lake, and then enters Pakistan through the Pir Panjal Range. Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, Destinations describes Verinag as "The Heart of Jhelum" and states that River Jhelum emerges from Verinag spring. Jammu and Kashmir alone fits both the river's source area and its route through Srinagar.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Ladakh is associated here with the main Indus river, whereas the Jhelum's route runs through the Kashmir Valley and Srinagar.
- (B) Chandigarh does not fit the Jhelum's course, which begins at Verinag in the Kashmir Valley and passes through Srinagar.
- (D) Delhi is linked to the Yamuna, while the Jhelum is traced through Verinag, Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley.
Concept
Drainage systems of India include the Indus river system and the regional association of its tributaries. Rivers connect physical geography with map location, Union Territories and passes in RAS preparation.