River Originating Westward from Amarkantak Plateau
The Amarkantak Plateau, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a significant geographical area known as the origin point for several important rivers in India. These rivers contribute to the drainage systems of both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The question asks to identify the river that starts its journey from this specific plateau and flows towards the west.
Analyzing River Origins and Flow Directions
Let's examine the options provided:
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Son River: This river originates near the Amarkantak Plateau. However, it flows eastward and joins the Ganges River, not westward.
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Narmada River: The Narmada River's source is famously located at the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. It flows through a rift valley westward and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea. This perfectly matches the description in the question.
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Tapi River: The Tapi River also flows westward and empties into the Arabian Sea. It originates in the Satpura Range, specifically from the Multai plateau in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. While relatively close to Amarkantak, its origin point is distinct from the Amarkantak Plateau itself.
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Godavari River: This major river originates in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and flows eastward across central India to the Bay of Bengal. It does not originate from the Amarkantak Plateau nor does it flow westward.
Identifying the Westward Flowing River
Based on the geographical facts:
- The Amarkantak Plateau is the specific origin point mentioned.
- Westward flow is the required direction.
The Narmada River is the river that originates directly from the Amarkantak Plateau and follows a westward course, making it the correct answer.