Explanation: The Bay of Bengal is a significant body of water that is part of the northeastern Indian Ocean. It is bordered by India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and it receives the waters of several major rivers from the Indian subcontinent. The drainage patterns of these rivers are crucial for understanding the geography and hydrology of eastern India.
The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Hooghly are all major rivers that drain into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga, originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, is one of the most important rivers in India. It flows through the northern plains of India and forms a vast delta with the Brahmaputra before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra, originating in Tibet, flows through Assam and joins the Ganga in Bangladesh, forming the world's largest delta, the Sundarbans.
The Hooghly is a distributary of the Ganga, which branches off near the city of Murshidabad in West Bengal. It flows through the city of Kolkata and empties into the Bay of Bengal. The Hooghly is an important river for navigation and commerce, and it has played a significant role in the economic and cultural history of Bengal.
The other rivers mentioned in the options, such as the Yamuna and Godavari, have different drainage patterns. The Yamuna, a major tributary of the Ganga, joins the Ganga at Allahabad and flows with it to the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari, on the other hand, is a major river that originates in Maharashtra and drains into the Bay of Bengal through the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Understanding the drainage patterns of these rivers is essential for comprehending the geographical and ecological dynamics of the region. The rivers not only provide water for agriculture and human consumption but also support a rich biodiversity and are crucial for the economy and culture of the areas they flow through. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) Ganga, Brahmaputra, Hooghly, as these are the rivers that directly drain into the Bay of Bengal.