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Study Guide: The Ganges River: Geography, Culture, and Ecology

Cheat Sheet:
The Ganges River: Geography, Culture, and Ecology Study Guide

Hydrology and Geography

The Ganges River originates in the southern Deccan Plateau and flows northward towards the Himalayas.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. The Ganges River originates in the Himalayas and flows generally southward and eastward through the Indo-Gangetic Plain, not northward from the Deccan Plateau.

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The approximate total length of the Ganges River is 2,525 kilometers, acknowledging that precise measurements may exhibit minor variations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ganges River is approximately 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles) long. It is important to note that precise measurements can vary slightly depending on the specific source and mouth points utilized in calculation.

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The primary stem of the Ganges River commences at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.

Answer: True

Explanation: This assertion is correct. The main stem of the Ganges River originates at Devprayag, formed by the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.

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The six sacred headstreams that contribute to the formation of the Ganges are identified as the Alaknanda, Dhauliganga, Nandakini, Pindar, Mandakini, and Bhagirathi.

Answer: True

Explanation: The six sacred headstreams contributing to the formation of the Ganges are indeed the Alaknanda, Dhauliganga, Nandakini, Pindar, Mandakini, and Bhagirathi. The confluences of these tributaries, collectively known as the Panch Prayag, are significant pilgrimage sites.

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Upon entering Bangladesh, the primary channel of the Ganges River is renamed the Meghna.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. As the Ganges River enters Bangladesh, its main channel is known as the Padma River. It later merges with the Meghna River further downstream.

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The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system ranks as the largest river system globally in terms of discharge volume.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. While the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna system is one of the largest, the Amazon River system has a greater discharge volume.

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The geological formation of the Indo-Gangetic Plain resulted from volcanic activity and subsequent erosional processes.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Indo-Gangetic Plain was formed in a vast foreland basin, filled with sediments deposited by the Indus and Ganges river systems, a process driven by tectonic plate movements rather than volcanism.

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The Gomti River and the Kosi River are classified as major left-bank tributaries of the Ganges River.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gomti and Kosi rivers are indeed major left-bank tributaries of the Ganges River.

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The Yamuna River, a right-bank tributary, joins the Ganges in close proximity to its Himalayan origin.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Yamuna River joins the Ganges much further downstream, at Prayagraj, not near its origin in the Himalayas.

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The Son River and the Damodar River are recognized as primary right-bank tributaries of the Ganges River.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Son and Damodar rivers are indeed considered primary right-bank tributaries of the Ganges.

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The Yamuna River exhibits a greater discharge volume than the Ghaghara River, consequently establishing it as the largest tributary of the Ganges.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Ghaghara River is recognized as the largest tributary of the Ganges by discharge volume, followed by the Yamuna.

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The Himalayan mountain range plays a critical role in the Ganges' hydrology, serving as the origin of its principal headwaters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Himalayas are fundamentally important to the Ganges' hydrology, serving as the origin of its headwaters, which are replenished by snowmelt from high-altitude glaciers.

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The monsoon season accounts for approximately 84% of the Ganges River's total annual rainfall and resultant streamflow.

Answer: True

Explanation: The monsoon season is indeed responsible for approximately 84% of the Ganges River's total annual rainfall and streamflow.

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The Bengal Fan constitutes a diminutive delta formed by a solitary river emptying into the Indian Ocean.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Bengal Fan is the world's largest submarine fan, formed by the combined sediment discharge of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers into the Bay of Bengal.

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The geological trough responsible for the formation of the Indo-Gangetic Plain is classified as a syncline.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The geological trough that formed the Indo-Gangetic Plain is classified as a foredeep or foreland basin, not a syncline.

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The ratio comparing the Ganges River's dry season discharge to its monsoon discharge approximates 1:1.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The ratio of the Ganges' dry season discharge to its monsoon discharge is significantly lower, approximately 1:6, reflecting the strong seasonality of the river's flow.

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The Ganges Basin contributes a substantial proportion, estimated between 10% and 20%, to the global burial of organic carbon, primarily through the Bengal Fan.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ganges Basin, particularly via the Bengal Fan formed by its sediment deposition, accounts for a substantial portion, estimated at 10-20%, of the global burial of organic carbon.

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The confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers at Rishikesh signifies the commencement of the Ganges River's main stem.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers that marks the beginning of the Ganges' main stem occurs at Devprayag, not Rishikesh.

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The Ganges Delta is recognized as the world's smallest delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Ganges Delta is the world's largest delta, formed by the combined flow of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.

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What is the primary geographical location where the Ganges River originates?

Answer: The western Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India

Explanation: The Ganges River originates in the western Himalayas, specifically in the state of Uttarakhand, India.

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Which river is considered the hydrological source of the Ganges due to its greater length, although the Bhagirathi is traditionally seen as the mythological source?

Answer: The Alaknanda River

Explanation: The Alaknanda River is considered the hydrological source of the Ganges due to its greater length, whereas the Bhagirathi River holds traditional significance in Hindu mythology.

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What is the approximate length of the Ganges River in kilometers?

Answer: Approximately 2,525 km

Explanation: The Ganges River spans approximately 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles).

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After flowing into Bangladesh, the main branch of the Ganges River is known by what name?

Answer: The Padma

Explanation: Upon entering Bangladesh, the principal channel of the Ganges River is designated as the Padma.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a major left-bank tributary of the Ganges?

Answer: Yamuna River

Explanation: The Yamuna River is a major right-bank tributary of the Ganges; the Gomti, Gandaki, and Kosi are major left-bank tributaries.

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The Ghaghara River holds the distinction of being the Ganges' largest tributary based on what factor?

Answer: Discharge

Explanation: The Ghaghara River is recognized as the largest tributary of the Ganges in terms of discharge volume.

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What is the geological classification of the trough that filled with sediments to form the Indo-Gangetic Plain?

Answer: A foredeep or foreland basin

Explanation: The geological trough that formed the Indo-Gangetic Plain is classified as a foredeep or a foreland basin.

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How does the Ganges River's flow typically vary between the dry season and the monsoon season?

Answer: The dry season flow is about 1/6th of the monsoon flow.

Explanation: The ratio of the Ganges' dry season discharge to its monsoon discharge is approximately 1:6, highlighting the strong seasonality driven by monsoon rainfall.

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What is the geographical significance of the Bengal Fan?

Answer: It is the world's largest submarine fan, formed by major river systems.

Explanation: The Bengal Fan is the world's largest submarine fan, formed by the sediment-laden flows of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.

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What is the primary characteristic of the Ganges Basin's contribution to global organic carbon burial?

Answer: It accounts for approximately 10-20% of the global total.

Explanation: The Ganges Basin, primarily via the Bengal Fan, accounts for a substantial portion, estimated at 10-20%, of the global burial of organic carbon.

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Cultural and Spiritual Significance

In Hindu tradition, the Alaknanda River is considered the primary source stream of the Ganges owing to its mythological importance.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. While the Alaknanda is the hydrological source due to its length, the Bhagirathi River is traditionally regarded as the source stream in Hindu mythology, linked to King Bhagiratha's penance.

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The confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj is designated as the Triveni Sangam and holds significant religious importance.

Answer: True

Explanation: The confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj is indeed known as the Triveni Sangam and is a site of profound religious significance in Hinduism.

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Within Hindu belief, immersion in the Ganges River is considered capable of purifying sins and facilitating the attainment of salvation.

Answer: True

Explanation: This is a central tenet of Hindu belief concerning the Ganges River.

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The mythological narrative concerning the descent of the Ganges River describes Lord Vishnu intercepting the river in his arms.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. In the primary mythological account, it is Lord Shiva who catches the descending Ganges in his matted hair to break its force, not Lord Vishnu.

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The penance undertaken by King Bhagiratha was instrumental in facilitating the descent of the Ganges River from the heavens to the Earth.

Answer: True

Explanation: This is a core element of the mythological narrative surrounding the Ganges' arrival on Earth.

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The festival of Ganga Dashahara is observed, during which bathing in the Ganges is believed to absolve the participant of a single sin.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Bathing in the Ganges during Ganga Dashahara is believed to cleanse the bather of ten sins, or sins accumulated over ten lifetimes.

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In the context of Hindu worship, the Ganges River is personified as the goddess Ganga, frequently depicted mounted upon a makara.

Answer: True

Explanation: This accurately describes the personification and common iconography of the goddess Ganga.

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The Kumbh Mela is a significant pilgrimage where devotees congregate to bathe in sacred rivers; however, it is never celebrated along the banks of the Ganges River.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Kumbh Mela is indeed celebrated at several sacred river locations, including the Ganges River at sites such as Prayagraj and Haridwar.

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Varanasi holds profound significance as a sacred city where cremations are conducted on its ghats, with the subsequent immersion of ashes in the Ganges believed to facilitate salvation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Varanasi is a major holy city on the banks of the Ganges, attracting millions of pilgrims who bathe in its waters for purification. It is also known as the 'Great Cremation Ground' (Mahashmshana), where the dead are cremated on the ghats, and their ashes are immersed in the Ganges, believed to grant instant salvation.

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The narrative termed 'Avatarana' pertains to a mythological conflict between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The 'Avatarana' story generally refers to the mythological descent of the Ganges River to Earth, not a battle between rivers.

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'Ganga Jal' denotes the sacred water transported from the Ganges River, which is believed to possess potent purifying properties.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Ganga Jal' refers to the sacred water carried from the Ganges River by pilgrims, believed to have purifying qualities.

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The term 'Panch Prayag' denotes the five principal cities situated along the lower course of the Ganges River.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The 'Panch Prayag' refers to five sacred confluences of tributaries in the upper reaches of the Ganges in Uttarakhand, not cities along its lower course.

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Within Hindu tradition, the Ganges is believed to confer salvation exclusively upon individuals who perform a specific ritual sacrifice within its waters.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. While immersion in the Ganges is believed to aid salvation, it is not contingent upon performing a specific ritual sacrifice; various acts of devotion and adherence to tradition are considered meritorious.

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Within the iconography of Ganga, the 'makara' symbolizes fear and danger, representing the river's destructive potential.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. While the makara can symbolize potential dangers, in Ganga iconography, it primarily represents the life-affirming, fertile aspects of water and vegetation, alongside the unknown depths.

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In the iconography associated with Ganga, the 'purna kumbha' symbolizes abundance and the river's life-giving attributes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'purna kumbha,' or full pot of water, is a significant symbol in Ganga iconography, representing abundance and the life-giving properties associated with the goddess Ganga and the river.

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In the myth of the Ganges' descent, Lord Shiva's role was to amplify the intensity of her fall to Earth.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Lord Shiva's role in the Ganges' descent myth was to mitigate the force of her fall by catching her in his matted hair, thereby preventing catastrophic damage to the Earth.

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The Ganges River is revered as a 'tirtha,' a sacred crossing point, holding a central position in Hindu death rituals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ganges River is indeed considered a 'tirtha' and is central to Hindu death rituals, believed to facilitate the soul's journey.

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In the context of the Ganges River, the 'makara' symbolizes both its life-giving properties and the inherent potential dangers residing within its waters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'makara' symbolizes both the life-affirming aspects of water and vegetation, and the fear associated with the unknown lurking within those waters, reflecting the river's dual capacity for sustenance and peril.

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The 'Ganga Dashahara' festival serves to commemorate the flood season of the Ganges River.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The 'Ganga Dashahara' festival commemorates the descent of the Ganges River to Earth, not its flood season.

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What is the significance of the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj?

Answer: It is known as the Triveni Sangam and is a holy site in Hinduism.

Explanation: The confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj is known as the Triveni Sangam and is a site of profound religious importance in Hinduism.

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In Hindu belief, what is the primary spiritual benefit of bathing in the Ganges River?

Answer: It is believed to cleanse sins and aid in attaining salvation.

Explanation: Within Hindu belief, immersion in the Ganges River is considered capable of purifying sins and facilitating the attainment of salvation.

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According to Hindu mythology, who caught the descending Ganges in his hair to prevent destruction?

Answer: Lord Shiva

Explanation: In the predominant mythological account, Lord Shiva caught the descending Ganges in his matted hair to break its force and prevent destruction.

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The festival of Ganga Dashahara commemorates which event?

Answer: The descent of the Ganges River to Earth

Explanation: The Ganga Dashahara festival commemorates the descent of the Ganges River to Earth.

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Which mythical creature is often depicted as the mount or 'vahana' of the goddess Ganga in classical Indian iconography?

Answer: Makara

Explanation: The Makara is frequently depicted as the mount or 'vahana' of the goddess Ganga in classical Indian iconography.

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The Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage, is celebrated at various sacred river locations. Which of these is NOT mentioned as a Kumbh Mela site in the source?

Answer: Varanasi

Explanation: The source material mentions Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Nashik as Kumbh Mela sites. Varanasi is a significant holy city on the Ganges but is not listed as a primary Kumbh Mela location in this context.

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What is the significance of Varanasi in relation to the Ganges and Hindu practices?

Answer: It's a major holy city known for cremations on ghats and immersing ashes for salvation.

Explanation: Varanasi is a major holy city on the Ganges, significant for its ghats where cremations occur and ashes are immersed, believed to grant salvation.

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What does 'Ganga Jal' refer to in the context of Hindu culture?

Answer: The sacred water carried from the Ganges River by pilgrims

Explanation: 'Ganga Jal' refers to the sacred water carried from the Ganges River by pilgrims, believed to possess purifying qualities.

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In the context of Hindu beliefs about salvation, what is the significance of the Ganges River?

Answer: It is considered a gateway to heaven, facilitating salvation upon death or immersion of ashes.

Explanation: In Hindu beliefs, the Ganges River is considered a gateway to heaven, facilitating salvation upon death or immersion of ashes.

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What dual symbolism does the 'makara' represent in the context of the Ganges River's environment?

Answer: Life-affirming waters and the fear of the unknown within them

Explanation: The 'makara' symbolizes both the life-affirming aspects of water and vegetation, and the fear associated with the unknown lurking within those waters.

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Environmental Status and Conservation

Habitat degradation resulting from human development constitutes a principal ecological concern within the Ganges basin.

Answer: True

Explanation: Habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, particularly agriculture and urbanization, are indeed primary ecological concerns in the Ganges basin.

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Overfishing and pollution represent negligible threats to the fish populations inhabiting the Ganges basin.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Overfishing and pollution are identified as significant and detrimental threats to the fish populations within the Ganges basin.

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The gharial and the South Asian river dolphin exemplify critically endangered species indigenous to the Ganges basin.

Answer: True

Explanation: The gharial and the South Asian river dolphin are indeed examples of critically endangered species found within the Ganges basin.

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Climate change is projected to augment the water resources of the Ganges River system, attributed to stable glacial melt rates.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Climate change is expected to threaten the Ganges' water resources, primarily due to the potential instability and eventual retreat of Himalayan glaciers, which are crucial sources of its flow.

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Untreated sewage from urban centers and industrial effluents constitute the principal sources of pollution affecting the Ganges River.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sewage from cities and industrial waste are indeed the primary sources of pollution in the Ganges River.

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The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) achieved substantial success in mitigating pollution levels in the Ganges.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) is widely considered to have been largely unsuccessful in significantly reducing pollution levels in the Ganges, facing challenges in implementation and effectiveness.

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The Ganges river dolphin has been officially designated as the national aquatic animal of India.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ganges river dolphin has indeed been declared India's national aquatic animal, highlighting its cultural and ecological importance.

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Empirical studies indicate a lower prevalence of cancer along the Ganges River compared to other regions, attributed to its pristine water quality.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Studies have indicated higher incidences of cancer in communities along the Ganges, linked to the river's severe pollution with heavy metals and chemicals.

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The Namami Gange Programme is an initiative exclusively dedicated to afforestation efforts along the river's banks.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Namami Gange Programme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at rejuvenating the Ganges River, encompassing pollution abatement, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development, not solely afforestation.

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In the year 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court conferred legal status upon the Ganges and Yamuna rivers as 'living entities,' bestowing upon them rights analogous to human rights.

Answer: True

Explanation: In March 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court declared the Ganges and Yamuna rivers as legal 'living entities,' thereby bestowing upon them rights comparable to those of human beings.

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Illegal mining operations have exerted no significant detrimental impact on the Ganges River's environment.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Illegal mining activities, particularly for sand and stone extraction from the riverbed, have demonstrably caused significant environmental degradation along the Ganges.

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The principal objective of the Ganga Action Plan was the construction of dams along the river to effectively manage floodwaters.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The primary goal of the Ganga Action Plan was to improve the water quality of the Ganges by treating sewage and industrial effluents, not to build dams for flood control.

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The ineffectiveness of the Ganga Action Plan is partially ascribed to an insufficient degree of control over traditional practices, such as cremations and ritual bathing.

Answer: True

Explanation: The limited success of the Ganga Action Plan is attributed to multifaceted issues, including insufficient control over traditional practices such as cremations and ritual bathing along the riverbanks.

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The proliferation of tube wells to address water scarcity has contributed to the stabilization of the water table within the Ganges basin.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Increased reliance on tube wells for water extraction, coupled with other factors, has contributed to a decline, rather than stabilization, of the water table in many parts of the Ganges basin.

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The Namami Gange Programme is designed to enhance water quality and preserve biodiversity within the Ganges River ecosystem.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Namami Gange Programme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at rejuvenating the Ganges River, encompassing pollution abatement, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

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The primary threats confronting the Ganges river dolphin stem from tourism activities conducted along its habitat.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Ganges river dolphin faces threats primarily from pollution, dam construction, and unsustainable fishing practices, rather than tourism.

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The Ganga Action Plan is recognized as the world's most extensive single initiative undertaken for the remediation of a polluted river.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ganga Action Plan represented the world's most extensive single initiative dedicated to cleaning a polluted river.

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Catla and Rohu are significant fish species indigenous to the Ganges basin, contributing substantially to local fisheries.

Answer: True

Explanation: Catla and Rohu are indeed important fish species found in the Ganges basin that support local fisheries.

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The pervasive pollution within the Ganges River is demonstrably linked to elevated incidences of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer.

Answer: True

Explanation: The severe pollution of the Ganges poses significant health risks, contributing to elevated rates of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer in communities along its banks.

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Which of the following is identified as a critically endangered species found within the Ganges basin?

Answer: Gharial

Explanation: The Gharial is identified as a critically endangered species found within the Ganges basin.

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What is a primary risk climate change poses to the Ganges River's water resources?

Answer: Threatened long-term water availability due to glacier retreat

Explanation: Climate change poses risks to the Ganges' water resources primarily through the potential instability and eventual retreat of Himalayan glaciers, threatening long-term water availability.

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Besides sewage and industrial waste, what is another significant source of pollution mentioned for the Ganges River?

Answer: Agricultural runoff

Explanation: Agricultural runoff is identified as another significant source of pollution in the Ganges River, alongside sewage and industrial waste.

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Why is the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) widely considered a failure?

Answer: Mismanagement, corruption, and poor execution hindered its goals.

Explanation: The Ganga Action Plan is widely considered a failure due to issues such as mismanagement, corruption, poor technical execution, and inadequate public involvement.

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The Ganges river dolphin has been recognized for its importance by being declared:

Answer: India's national aquatic animal

Explanation: The Ganges river dolphin has been declared India's national aquatic animal.

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Which of the following health issues has been linked to the severe pollution of the Ganges River?

Answer: Higher incidences of cancer and water-borne diseases

Explanation: Severe pollution of the Ganges River has been linked to higher incidences of cancer and various water-borne diseases.

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The Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014, is an initiative aimed at:

Answer: Rejuvenating the Ganges River through integrated efforts

Explanation: The Namami Gange Programme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at rejuvenating the Ganges River through integrated efforts.

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What legal status did the Uttarakhand High Court grant to the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in 2017?

Answer: Legal 'living entities' with human rights

Explanation: In 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court declared the Ganges and Yamuna rivers as legal 'living entities,' granting them rights analogous to human rights.

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Illegal mining activities along the Ganges River primarily involve:

Answer: Extraction of stones and sand from the riverbed

Explanation: Illegal mining activities along the Ganges River primarily involve the extraction of stones and sand from the riverbed.

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What were the stated goals of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) launched in 1985?

Answer: To improve the water quality of the Ganges by treating effluents.

Explanation: The primary goal of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was to improve the water quality of the Ganges by treating sewage and industrial effluents.

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How has the water table in the Ganges basin been affected by human activities like increased groundwater extraction?

Answer: It has fallen due to reliance on tube wells and water-intensive crops.

Explanation: Increased reliance on tube wells for water extraction and the cultivation of water-intensive crops have contributed to a falling water table in the Ganges basin.

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Historical and Socio-Economic Aspects

The Farakka Barrage was constructed with the objective of augmenting the Ganges River's flow into Bangladesh for irrigation purposes.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Farakka Barrage was built by India to divert water to the Bhagirathi-Hooghly distributary to improve navigability for the Port of Kolkata, not primarily for irrigation in Bangladesh.

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The Ganges Canal, constructed during the British colonial era, represented a relatively modest engineering project for its period.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Ganges Canal, completed in the mid-19th century, was one of the largest and most ambitious irrigation projects of its time globally.

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The fertile Ganges Basin is predominantly recognized for its capacity to support livestock husbandry over extensive crop cultivation.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Ganges Basin is renowned for its highly fertile alluvial soil, which supports intensive crop cultivation, including rice, sugarcane, and various grains, making it a major agricultural region.

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The Ganges River makes a negligible contribution to the tourism sector within India.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Ganges River is a major contributor to tourism in India, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists annually to its sacred cities and ghats.

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Megasthenes, a Greek envoy during the 4th century BCE, holds the distinction of being the first European traveler to document the Ganges River.

Answer: True

Explanation: Megasthenes, a Greek envoy undertaking diplomatic missions in India circa the 4th century BCE, is credited as the first European traveler to record mentions of the Ganges River in his seminal work, 'Indica'.

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The primary Ganges water dispute centered on the allocation of water resources between India and Nepal.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The most significant Ganges water dispute historically involved India and Pakistan (later Bangladesh) concerning the Farakka Barrage and water sharing downstream.

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The construction of the Ganges Canal was distinguished by its modest scale when juxtaposed with other contemporary engineering projects.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The Ganges Canal was a monumental undertaking for its time, considered one of the largest of its kind globally upon its completion.

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The Farakka Barrage was constructed primarily to serve which purpose?

Answer: Divert water to the Bhagirathi-Hooghly distributary to aid Kolkata's port navigation

Explanation: The Farakka Barrage was built to divert water to the Bhagirathi-Hooghly distributary, aiming to improve navigability for the Port of Kolkata.

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What was the scale of the British-built Ganges Canal compared to other contemporary projects?

Answer: It was the largest canal ever attempted in the world at that time.

Explanation: The Ganges Canal, completed in the mid-19th century, was unprecedented in scale for its time, representing the largest canal project globally.

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Which of the following is a major crop cultivated in the fertile Ganges Basin?

Answer: Sugarcane

Explanation: Sugarcane is a major crop cultivated in the fertile Ganges Basin, alongside rice, lentils, and wheat.

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What historical European traveler first mentioned the Ganges River in records?

Answer: Megasthenes

Explanation: Megasthenes, a Greek envoy during the 4th century BCE, is credited as the first European traveler to record mentions of the Ganges River.

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The Ganges water dispute primarily involved disagreements between which two countries over water sharing?

Answer: India and Bangladesh

Explanation: The primary Ganges water dispute historically involved India and Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) concerning water sharing.

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