Indian Physical Geography : Drainage Systems

Q 22 / 49

UPSC CSE Prelims 2009

At which one of the following places do two important rivers of India originate; while one of them flows towards the north and merges with another important river flowing towards the Bay of Bengal, the other one flows towards the Arabian Sea?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Amarkantak, located in Madhya Pradesh, serves as the origin point for two significant Indian rivers. The Narmada River flows westward, eventually emptying into the Arabian Sea. The Sone River flows northward and merges with the Ganga River, which ultimately discharges into the Bay of Bengal. This unique geographical feature makes Amarkantak a crucial hydrological divide, with rivers flowing in contrasting directions towards both major seas.

Incorrect Options

Badrinath: This location is the source of the Alaknanda River, a major tributary of the Ganga River, which flows eastward towards the Bay of Bengal. No significant river originating here flows towards the Arabian Sea.

Mahabaleshwar: The Krishna River originates here and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal. It is not a point of origin for rivers flowing towards both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Nasik: The Godavari River originates near Nasik and flows eastward across the Deccan Plateau, ultimately discharging into the Bay of Bengal. It does not give rise to rivers flowing in different directions towards both major seas.

SOURCENCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 3: Drainage System