Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 286

Which peninsular river originates in Maharashtra and flows through Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the states through which the river flows and its origin.

Correct Answer: C) Krishna

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Krishna River is one of the major rivers in peninsular India, and it plays a crucial role in the geography and economy of the region. The river originates in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, specifically in the hills near Mahabaleshwar. From there, it flows in a southeasterly direction through the states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

The Krishna River is approximately 1,400 kilometers long and is the second-longest river in South India after the Godavari. It is an important source of water for irrigation and supports a significant portion of the agricultural activities in the region. The river also has several tributaries, including the Tungabhadra, which is formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Karnataka.

The river's course through multiple states makes it a significant geographical feature that connects different regions of peninsular India. The Krishna River basin is one of the most densely populated river basins in India, and the river is a lifeline for millions of people who depend on it for their livelihoods.

Understanding the course of the Krishna River is important for several reasons. It helps in comprehending the geographical layout of the region, the distribution of water resources, and the inter-state relationships that are often influenced by water management and distribution. The river also has historical and cultural significance, with several ancient temples and archaeological sites located along its banks.

It is important to distinguish the Krishna River from other major rivers in the region, such as the Godavari, Kaveri, and Narmada. Each of these rivers has a unique course and plays a distinct role in the geography and economy of the states they flow through. The Godavari, for example, originates in Maharashtra but primarily flows through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, while the Kaveri originates in Karnataka and flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Narmada, on the other hand, flows through central India and empties into the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal.

Thus, the Krishna River is the correct answer as it is the only river among the options that originates in Maharashtra and flows through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Godavari River originates in Maharashtra but does not flow through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It primarily flows through Maharashtra and Telangana before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Option B: The Kaveri River originates in Karnataka and flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, not through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Option C: The Krishna River originates in Maharashtra and flows through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, making it the correct answer. It is a significant river for agriculture and power generation in these states.
  • Option D: The Narmada River originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea, not through the states mentioned in the question.

Mnemonic: K for Karnataka, K for Krishna, K for Karnataka again, T for Telangana, A for Andhra Pradesh

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