Explanation: In Indian geography, the drainage patterns of rivers are significant for understanding the ecological, economic, and cultural aspects of the region. The Bay of Bengal, a part of the northeastern Indian Ocean, is a major recipient of several important rivers in India.
The Godawari River, often referred to as the "Dakshin Ganga" (Ganges of the South), is the second-longest river in India, after the Ganges. It originates from the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra and flows through the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Godawari is a vital source of water for irrigation and supports a significant agricultural economy in the region.
The Kaveri River, also known as the Cauvery, is another major river in South India. It originates in the Western Ghats in Karnataka and flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before draining into the Bay of Bengal. The Kaveri is crucial for agriculture, particularly in the delta region of Tamil Nadu, and is a subject of interstate water disputes.
In contrast, the Narmada and Tapi rivers, mentioned in Option A, flow into the Arabian Sea, which is located on the western coast of India. These rivers are part of the western drainage system and do not contribute to the Bay of Bengal.
Similarly, the Satluj and Beas rivers, mentioned in Option C, are part of the Indus River system and flow into the Arabian Sea. They are significant for the agricultural economy of Punjab and Haryana but do not drain into the Bay of Bengal.
Understanding the drainage patterns of Indian rivers is essential for comprehending the geographical, ecological, and economic dynamics of the region. The Godawari and Kaveri rivers, as they flow into the Bay of Bengal, play a crucial role in the ecological balance and economic activities of the eastern coastal regions of India.