Explanation: The Deccan Plateau is a significant geographical feature in India, characterized by its elevation and topography. The plateau's relief and slope are crucial factors that determine the flow of rivers within it and their eventual discharge into the Bay of Bengal.
**Relief** refers to the physical features of the land, including its elevation, shape, and the presence of hills, valleys, and plains. The Deccan Plateau has a higher elevation in the west, gradually sloping towards the east. This topographical feature is essential because it creates a natural gradient that influences the direction of river flow. Rivers tend to flow from higher to lower elevations, and the plateau's relief provides this gradient.
**Slope** is another critical aspect that affects river flow. The slope of the land determines the speed and direction of water movement. In the Deccan Plateau, the eastern slope towards the Bay of Bengal allows rivers to flow naturally due to gravity. The gradient ensures that water moves efficiently from the higher elevations in the west to the lower elevations in the east, ultimately reaching the Bay of Bengal.
While **proximity to the sea** is a geographical fact, it does not directly influence the flow of rivers. The primary factors that determine the direction and ease of river flow are the relief and slope of the land. The Deccan Plateau's topography, with its higher elevation in the west and gradual slope towards the east, facilitates the natural flow of rivers into the Bay of Bengal.
Understanding these geographical aspects is crucial for comprehending the hydrological processes in the Deccan Plateau. The interplay between relief and slope not only influences river flow but also affects other aspects such as soil erosion, sediment transport, and the overall landscape evolution of the region.
In summary, the correct answer is (D) Only (A) & (B), as relief and slope are the key geographical aspects that facilitate the flow of rivers in the Deccan Plateau into the Bay of Bengal. Proximity to the sea, while a geographical fact, does not directly influence the flow of rivers.