1. Assertion (A): Ganga Plain is the most densely populated part of India.
2. Reason (R): Ganga is the most harnessed river of India.
A
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B
Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
C
A is true, but R is false
D
A is false, but R is true
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Assertion (A) is true. The Ganga Plain, with its fertile alluvial soils and abundant water resources, supports intensive agriculture and is consequently the most densely populated part of India.
2. Reason (R) is false. While the Ganga is a crucially important river, extensively utilized for irrigation, navigation, and domestic use, claiming it is the "most harnessed river" in India is difficult to substantiate and likely incorrect. Many other river systems (like Indus tributaries, Krishna, Godavari) are also heavily harnessed for irrigation and hydropower. Furthermore, the harnessing of the river is a factor contributing to its utility, but the primary reasons for high population density are the inherent fertility and water availability of the plain itself.