UPSC Prelims 2003 Q78: Geography – Indian Rivers & Water Resources
What is the correct sequence of the rivers - Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmada and Tapti in the
descending order of their lengths?
- (a) Godavari - Mahanadi - Narmada - Tapti
- (b) Godavari - Narmada - Mahanadi - Tapti
- (c) Narmada - Godavari - Tapti - Mahanadi
- (d) Narmada - Tapti - Godavari - Mahanadi
Answer: (b) Godavari - Narmada - Mahanadi - Tapti
Explanation
Lengths of peninsular rivers
| River | Approximate length |
|---|---|
| Godavari | About 1,465 km |
| Narmada | About 1,312 km |
| Mahanadi | About 851 km |
| Tapi | About 724 km |
In descending order of length the rivers are Godavari - Narmada - Mahanadi - Tapti.
Answer: (b) Godavari - Narmada - Mahanadi - Tapti.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Narmada is longer than the Mahanadi.
- (b) CORRECT. 1,465, 1,312, 851, 724 km.
- (c) Incorrect. The Godavari is longer than the Narmada.
- (d) Incorrect. The Godavari is longer than the Narmada.
Key point
Peninsular rivers: Godavari 1465, Krishna 1400, Narmada 1312, Mahanadi 851, Cauvery 800, Tapi 724.
Remember
The Godavari is longer than the Narmada, the Mahanadi and the Tapi.
Common mistakes
- Putting the Narmada first because it is a west-flowing giant.
- Placing the Tapi above the Mahanadi.
- Mixing lengths in India with total river lengths.
Exam tip
Godavari is the longest peninsular river, called Dakshin Ganga.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — Drainage System
- Central Water Commission and National Remote Sensing Centre — India-WRIS: River Basin Atlas (Godavari, Narmada, Mahanadi and Tapi basins)