Peninsular Rivers Flowing Eastward Explained

The question asks us to identify a specific type of river from the given options: one that is a peninsular river and also flows eastward. Let's break down what these terms mean and analyze each river.

Understanding Peninsular Rivers

Peninsular rivers are those that originate in the peninsular plateau of India. Most of these rivers flow into the Arabian Sea (westward) or the Bay of Bengal (eastward). The direction of flow is determined by the slope of the peninsula. Major peninsular rivers that flow eastward include the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Rivers like Narmada and Tapti are exceptions, flowing westward into the Arabian Sea.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option to see if it meets both criteria (peninsular and eastward flow):

• Sabarmati River: This river originates in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan and flows through Gujarat before emptying into the Gulf of Cambay (Arabian Sea). It flows westward and is not typically classified as a major peninsular river in the context of the southern plateau.
• Narmada River: One of the major peninsular rivers, the Narmada originates near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh. However, it flows westward through a rift valley and empties into the Arabian Sea near Bharuch, Gujarat.
• Tapti River: Similar to the Narmada, the Tapti River also originates near Multai in Madhya Pradesh. It flows westward, roughly parallel to the Narmada, and drains into the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Cambay.
• Mahanadi River: This river rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh and flows through the state of Odisha. Crucially, it flows eastward across the plains and empties into the Bay of Bengal. It is a major peninsular river system.

River Flow Comparison Table

Here's a quick comparison:

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the Mahanadi River is a peninsular river that originates in the central part of India and distinctly flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal, matching both conditions specified in the question.