MasteryExams
Geography • Indian GeographyHard

Analyze the structural and drainage characteristics of the peninsular river systems: Statement I: Most peninsular rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal because the Western Ghats form the primary water divide with a westward tilt of the peninsula. Statement II: Rivers like the Narmada and Tapti flow westward because they occupy pre-existing structural fault troughs running counter to the regional slope. Which of the following is correct?

A. Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect
B. Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct
C. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct✓ Correct Answer
D. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both statements are correct, explaining why the east-flowing rivers form large deltas while the west-flowing rivers form estuaries due to steep gradients and fault-bounded paths. Neglecting structural controls can lead to misunderstandings about sediment discharge patterns along Indian coasts. Peninsular drainage represents an older, mature river system compared to the Himalayan network.

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