Explanation: In Indian geography, rivers are categorized based on their direction of flow. The majority of the major rivers in India originate in the Himalayas and flow eastward towards the Bay of Bengal. However, there are a few notable exceptions that flow westward towards the Arabian Sea. These west-flowing rivers are significant in understanding the geographical and hydrological features of the Indian subcontinent.
The Narmada River is one of the most prominent west-flowing rivers in India. It originates in the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The Narmada is the fifth-longest river in India and is considered one of the seven sacred rivers in Hinduism. Its westward flow is unique among the major rivers of India, distinguishing it from the eastward-flowing rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi.
The Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi are all east-flowing rivers. The Godavari originates in the Western Ghats and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal, making it the second-longest river in India. The Krishna also originates in the Western Ghats and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal, passing through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Mahanadi originates in the Eastern Ghats and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal, primarily through the state of Odisha.
Understanding the direction of flow of these rivers is crucial for comprehending the geographical layout of India and the distribution of water resources. The west-flowing rivers like the Narmada play a significant role in the ecological and economic development of the western regions of India, particularly in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
In summary, the Narmada is the correct answer as it is the only west-flowing river among the options provided. The other rivers listed (Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi) all flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal. This distinction is important for students of Indian geography and those preparing for competitive examinations that test knowledge of Indian rivers and their flow directions.