Question

The longest westward flowing river of peninsular India is __________
a. Mahi
b. Narmada
c. Tapi
d. Kali

Answer 1

Hint: 90 per cent of India’s total surface water is drained into the Bay of Bengal. The rest drains into the Arabian Sea. The longest westward flowing river of Peninsular India rises from Amarkantak Plateau.

Complete answer:The peninsular river system is divided into east-flowing and west-flowing rivers. The Narmada is undoubtedly the longest westward flowing river of the Indian Peninsula. It rises near the Amarkantak range of mountains located in Madhya Pradesh. It also holds the title of being the fifth-largest river in the Indian subcontinent. Apart from that, it is also known as "Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh" since it contributes significantly to the needs of the state. It runs from east to west (longest west flowing river) unlike the majority of other rivers which run from west to east. Tapti River and the Mahi River are two other rivers that also run from east to west.

Looking at the options given:
Option a- Mahi is a westward flowing river but it isn’t the longest river. Hence, it is an incorrect answer.
Option b- Narmada is the longest westward flowing river. This is the correct answer.
Option c- Tapi or tapti is also a westward flowing river but it is not the longest river. Therefore it is an incorrect answer.
Option d- River Kali is not a westward flowing river thus it is an incorrect answer.

Thus, The correct answer is Option B.

Note: There are typically two types of drainage system, the Himalayan drainage system which includes the Ganga, the Indus and the Brahmaputra and the second is the peninsular river system includes Narmada, the Godavari, the Krishna, Tapi, the Mahanadi and the Kaveri.