Consider the following statements regarding the classification of Indian drainage basins: 1. The Arabian Sea drainage and the Bay of Bengal drainage are separated by the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris. 2. Nearly 77 % of the drainage area is oriented towards the Arabian Sea, while 23 % discharges into the Bay of Bengal. 3. Major river basins are defined as those with a catchment area of more than 20,000 sq. km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only Explanation Indian drainage basins are classified based on their discharge orientation (Arabian Sea vs. Bay of Bengal) and the size of their catchment areas. A distinct water divide separates the two major drainage systems. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The water divide separating the Arabian Sea drainage from the Bay of Bengal drainage runs through the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris (Western Ghats). This line determines the direction of flow for the major river systems in India. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The distribution of drainage area is heavily skewed towards the East. Nearly 77 % of the drainage area (comprising the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Krishna, etc.) is oriented towards the Bay of Bengal. Only about 23 % (comprising the Indus, Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Periyar systems) discharges into the Arabian Sea. - Statement 3 is Correct: Indian river basins are classified into three groups based on the size of their catchment area: - Major river basins: Catchment area of more than 20,000 sq. km (e.g., Ganga, Krishna, Tapi). - Medium river basins: Catchment area between 2,000 and 20,000 sq. km. - Minor river basins: Catchment area of less than 2,000 sq. km. Key Takeaway The Indian Water Divide runs along the Delhi Ridge, Aravalis, and Sahyadris. The majority of India's drainage (77%) flows into the Bay of Bengal, while only 23% flows into the Arabian Sea.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

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Consider the following statements regarding the classification of Indian drainage basins:

The Arabian Sea drainage and the Bay of Bengal drainage are separated by the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris.
Nearly 77 % of the drainage area is oriented towards the Arabian Sea, while 23 % discharges into the Bay of Bengal.
Major river basins are defined as those with a catchment area of more than 20,000 sq. km.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Indian drainage basins are classified based on their discharge orientation (Arabian Sea vs. Bay of Bengal) and the size of their catchment areas. A distinct water divide separates the two major drainage systems.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The water divide separating the Arabian Sea drainage from the Bay of Bengal drainage runs through the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris (Western Ghats). This line determines the direction of flow for the major river systems in India.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The distribution of drainage area is heavily skewed towards the East. Nearly 77 % of the drainage area (comprising the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Krishna, etc.) is oriented towards the Bay of Bengal. Only about 23 % (comprising the Indus, Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Periyar systems) discharges into the Arabian Sea.
Statement 3 is Correct: Indian river basins are classified into three groups based on the size of their catchment area:
- Major river basins: Catchment area of more than 20,000 sq. km (e.g., Ganga, Krishna, Tapi).
- Medium river basins: Catchment area between 2,000 and 20,000 sq. km.
- Minor river basins: Catchment area of less than 2,000 sq. km.

Key Takeaway

The Indian Water Divide runs along the Delhi Ridge, Aravalis, and Sahyadris. The majority of India's drainage (77%) flows into the Bay of Bengal, while only 23% flows into the Arabian Sea.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Drainage systems

With reference to the drainage patterns observed in Indian river systems, consider the following statements: 1. The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as radial. 2. When rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or depression, the pattern is known as centripetal. 3. The trellis pattern is formed when primary tributaries flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right angles. 4. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range present a good example of centripetal drainage. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Consider the following statements about the Son river: 1. It is a large south bank tributary of the Ganga. 2. It flows through a flat terrain without forming any waterfalls. 3. It joins the Ganga west of Patna. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Which of the following are the right bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra in India? 1. Subansiri 2. Kameng 3. Manas 4. Burhi Dihing Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Which of the following act as the water divide between the Arabian Sea drainage and the Bay of Bengal drainage? 1. Delhi Ridge 2. Aravalis 3. Sahyadris 4. Vindhyas Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The water divide separating the Arabian Sea drainage from the Bay of Bengal drainage runs through the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris (Western Ghats). This line determines the direction of flow for the major river systems in India.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The distribution of drainage area is heavily skewed towards the East. Nearly 77 % of the drainage area (comprising the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Krishna, etc.) is oriented towards the Bay of Bengal. Only about 23 % (comprising the Indus, Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Periyar systems) discharges into the Arabian Sea.
Statement 3 is Correct: Indian river basins are classified into three groups based on the size of their catchment area:
- Major river basins: Catchment area of more than 20,000 sq. km (e.g., Ganga, Krishna, Tapi).
- Medium river basins: Catchment area between 2,000 and 20,000 sq. km.
- Minor river basins: Catchment area of less than 2,000 sq. km.