MCQ Detailed View

The River Indus, one of the longest and most vital rivers in Asia, originates from the Tibetan Plateau. Specifically, it begins its journey in the Lake Manasarovar region near Mount Kailash in Tibet, which is under Chinese control. From there, the river flows northwest into Ladakh, a region now administered by India, and then enters Pakistan through Gilgit-Baltistan before making its way southward across the entire length of the country.

This river holds great historical, cultural, and economic importance for South Asia, especially for Pakistan, where it supports agriculture, industry, and human settlements along its banks.

Key facts about the River Indus:

• Origin: Lake Manasarovar, Tibet (near Mount Kailash)


• Total Length: Approximately 3,180 kilometers


• Countries Covered: China (Tibet), India, Pakistan


• Main Pakistani Provinces: Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh


• Major Tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej


• Importance: Supports the Indus Basin Irrigation System — one of the largest in the world

The Indus River is also the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest urban cultures. Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa developed along its banks more than 4,000 years ago, making it a geographical and historical backbone of South Asia.

Today, the Indus is the lifeline of Pakistan’s agricultural economy. Its water is used for irrigation, hydropower generation, and daily living needs. The river also plays a central role in the Indus Waters Treaty between Pakistan and India, making it not just a physical feature but also a political and environmental concern in the region.

Understanding its origin in Tibet helps us appreciate the river’s long journey, cross-border influence, and strategic significance across three major nations of Asia.