Explanation: The drainage system of the Indian Peninsula is a significant aspect of Indian geography, particularly in understanding the flow and distribution of water resources. The Peninsula is divided into two main drainage systems: the western drainage system and the eastern drainage system.
The western drainage system includes rivers such as the Narmada and Tapti, which flow westward and drain into the Arabian Sea. These rivers are relatively shorter and have a smaller catchment area compared to the rivers in the eastern drainage system.
The eastern drainage system, which is more extensive and includes the major rivers mentioned in the question, is characterized by rivers that flow eastward and drain into the Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal is a large body of water located to the east of the Indian Peninsula, and it receives the waters of several major rivers, including the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
The Mahanadi, located in the northeastern part of the Peninsula, flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha before draining into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari, known as the "Dakshin Ganga" (Ganges of the South), is the second-longest river in India and flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal. The Krishna, another major river, flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Lastly, the Kaveri, a significant river in South India, flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
The flow of these rivers eastward is influenced by the topography of the Indian Peninsula, which is higher in the west and slopes gradually towards the east. This geographical feature facilitates the eastward flow of rivers, leading to the formation of the extensive eastern drainage system.
Understanding the drainage patterns of the Indian Peninsula is crucial for various fields, including geography, environmental science, and civil engineering, as it helps in planning water resource management, irrigation systems, and flood control measures. The correct answer to the question is the Bay of Bengal, as it is the body of water into which the major rivers of the Peninsula flow.