Explanations:In the context of Indian geography, rivers are classified based on their direction of flow. Most major rivers in India flow from the Himalayas towards the Bay of Bengal in the east. However, there are a few rivers that flow westward towards the Arabian Sea. The Narmada is one such river, and it is the correct answer to this question.
The Narmada River 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. It is the fifth-longest river in India and is one of the few major rivers that flow westward. The Narmada is also known as the "lifeline" of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes.
On the other hand, the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi are all east-flowing rivers. The Godavari originates in Maharashtra and flows into the Bay of Bengal, making it the second-longest river in India. The Krishna, originating in Maharashtra, is the third-longest river in India and is crucial for agriculture in the Deccan region. The Mahanadi, originating in Odisha, also flows into the Bay of Bengal and is significant for the state of Odisha.
Understanding the direction of flow of rivers is important in geography as it helps in comprehending the water distribution and the impact of rivers on the surrounding regions. The Narmada, being a west-flowing river, plays a crucial role in the western part of India, particularly in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.