Correct answer: (d) Dev Prayag
Explanation
- A
Vishnu Prayag
(a) Vishnu Prayag. This option claims that Vishnu Prayag is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. However, Vishnu Prayag is actually where the Alaknanda meets the Dhauliganga river. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- B
Karn Prayag
(b) Karn Prayag. This option suggests that Karn Prayag marks the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. In reality, Karn Prayag is the holy site where the Alaknanda joins the Pindar river. Thus, this option is wrong.
- C
Rudra Prayag
(c) Rudra Prayag. This option states that Rudra Prayag is formed by the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. But Rudra Prayag is the specific location where the Alaknanda meets the Mandakini river. Hence, this option is not the right choice.
- D
Dev Prayag
(d) Dev Prayag. This option correctly claims that Dev Prayag is the sacred confluence where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers finally meet to form the holy Ganga river. This is the ultimate Panch Prayag in downstream order where both mighty streams lose their individual identities and merge into the Ganga, making it the correct key.
Summary. Official key is (d) Dev Prayag. The question asks for the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which is a fundamental geography fact regarding the river systems of Uttarakhand. Students often confuse the various Panch Prayag confluences like Vishnu Prayag, Karn Prayag, and Rudra Prayag with each other. Vishnu Prayag involves the Dhauliganga, Karn Prayag involves the Pindar, and Rudra Prayag involves the Mandakini. Dev Prayag is uniquely the final point where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unite to form the Ganga.