Question

The longest river of Peninsular India is ___________.
a.Godavari
b.Mahanadi
c.Narmada
d.Cauvery

Answer 1

Hint: The longest river of Peninsular India is also called “Dakshin Ganga” and "Vridha Ganga". It passes through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It originates in the Western Ghats and establishes itself in the Bay of Bengal.

Complete Step by Step Answer: Godavari is the longest river of Peninsular India.

a.Godavari: Godavari originates from Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra and flows east through and deposits itself in the Bay of Bengal. It flows for 1465 kilometres hence being the second longest river in India and the longest river of Peninsular India. It has a drainage basin of 120,777 sq miles. Godavari is also known as Dakshin Ganga. So, it is the correct option.

b.Mahanadi: Mahanadi is located in East Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Chattisgarh. It is a seasonal river and originates in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh. The river deposits itself into the Bay of Bengal at False Point, Jagatsinghpur in Odisha. It has a length of 858 kilometres and covers a basin of 54,700 sq miles. The Hirakud dam is located in the Mahanadi river. So, it is an incorrect option.

c.Narmada: Narmada rises from the Amarkantak Plateau of Madhya Pradesh and flows through Gujarat before depositing itself into the Arabian Sea at the Gulf from Khambhat. It is also known as Reva and often referred to as the "Lifeline of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.” The length of the river is 1312 kilometres and it drains an area of 98,796 km square. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is located on the Narmada river. So, it is an incorrect option.

d.Cauvery: Cauvery or Kaveri is a South Indian river. It flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It rises in the Brahmagiri Range in the Western Ghats of the Kodagu District in Karnataka. The river forms its delta in the Bay of Bengal. It is counted as one of the seven holy rivers of India. It is also locally worshipped as a goddess. It has a length of 800 kilometres and is an important river for purposes of irrigation and hydroelectric power. It is also the reason for interstate water sharing disputes. So, it is an incorrect option.

Note: The rivers in the peninsular India generally fall into the Bay of Bengal and are east flowing, except for Narmada, which flows westwards and falls into the Arabian Sea.