📚 Part of: Art History And Geography Mcqs: Andhra Pradesh And Indian Culture

Which river is located in southern India. It begins in the Deccan Plateau and flows into the Bay of Bengal?

Category: Andhra Pradesh Gk

Correct Answer: D) Krishna River.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, Andhra Pradesh PSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Krishna River is a major river in southern India, originating in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and flowing through the states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is the second longest river in India after the Godavari River.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the Krishna River with the Kaveri River, which also flows through southern India.
  • Not recognizing the geographical location of the Deccan Plateau and the Bay of Bengal.
  • Overlooking the fact that the Krishna River is entirely within India, unlike the Nile River which is in Africa.
Explanation:

The Krishna River is a major river in southern India, known for its significant role in the region's geography, agriculture, and economy. It originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, specifically in the district of Belagavi, and flows through the Deccan Plateau. The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau that covers a significant portion of central and southern India, and it is characterized by its high elevation and volcanic rock formations.

The river flows through the states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use. It is the second-longest river in India, after the Godavari River, and is an essential water source for the states it passes through. The river's basin is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in India, supporting a variety of crops including rice, sugarcane, and cotton.

The Krishna River eventually empties into the Bay of Bengal, a marginal sea of the Indian Ocean, located to the east of India. The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world and is known for its significant role in the monsoon system, which brings seasonal rains to the Indian subcontinent.

It is important to distinguish the Krishna River from other rivers in the region, such as the Kaveri River, which also flows through southern India but has a different course and origin. The Nile River and the Yellow River, while significant in their own right, are located in Africa and China, respectively, and do not flow through the Deccan Plateau or into the Bay of Bengal.

Understanding the geographical features and river systems of southern India is crucial for students studying Indian geography, as it helps in comprehending the region's natural resources, agricultural practices, and economic activities. The Krishna River, with its origin in the Deccan Plateau and its course through multiple states before reaching the Bay of Bengal, is a prime example of the complex river systems that shape the landscape and livelihoods of southern India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Kaveri River is incorrect. While it is a significant river in southern India, it originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, not the Deccan Plateau. It empties into the Bay of Bengal but not in the same manner as the Krishna River.
  • Option B: The Nile River is incorrect. It is located in northeastern Africa and is the longest river in the world. It does not flow through the Deccan Plateau or into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Option C: The Yellow River is incorrect. It is located in China and is one of the major rivers in that country. It does not flow through the Deccan Plateau or into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Option D: The Krishna River is correct. It originates in the Deccan Plateau in Karnataka and flows through the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is a significant river in southern India and plays a crucial role in the region's agriculture and economy.

Mnemonic: K - Krishna, K - Karnataka, K - Kurnool (where it originates)

⬅️ Back to Art History And Geography Mcqs: Andhra Pradesh And Indian Culture – Practice all questions