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:

The correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only . Explanation The "Great Indian Water Divide" is a line that separates the river systems flowing into the Arabian Sea from those flowing into the Bay of Bengal. This divide determines the direction of flow for the major river systems in the Indian subcontinent. Statement-wise Analysis: - 1. Delhi Ridge (Correct): The Delhi Ridge acts as a water divide between the Indus drainage system (flowing into the Arabian Sea) and the Ganga drainage system (flowing into the Bay of Bengal). It is the northernmost extension of the divide. - 2. Aravalis (Correct): The Aravali range runs southwest from Delhi. It separates the drainage of rivers like the Luni (flowing towards the Rann of Kutch/Arabian Sea) from the tributaries of the Yamuna/Ganga system (like the Banas) which flow towards the Bay of Bengal. - 3. Sahyadris (Correct): Also known as the Western Ghats, the Sahyadris form the major water divide in Peninsular India. They run parallel to the western coast. Most major peninsular rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) rise here and flow east into the Bay of Bengal, while numerous small, swift rivers flow west into the Arabian Sea. - 4. Vindhyas (Incorrect): While the Vindhyas separate the drainage of the Ganga basin (North) from the drainage of the Deccan (South), they are not typically classified as part of the primary continuous "Great Indian Water Divide" line in standard physiographic definitions. The standard definition traces the line through the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris. The Narmada and Tapi rivers, which flow into the Arabian Sea, flow through rift valleys south of the Vindhyas, making the divide in this central region more complex than a single range. Key Takeaway: The water divide between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal drainage is defined by the line traversing the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris (Western Ghats).

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

mcqmedium

Which of the following act as the water divide between the Arabian Sea drainage and the Bay of Bengal drainage?

Delhi Ridge
Aravalis
Sahyadris
Vindhyas

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is
1, 2 and 3 only
.

Explanation

The "Great Indian Water Divide" is a line that separates the river systems flowing into the Arabian Sea from those flowing into the Bay of Bengal. This divide determines the direction of flow for the major river systems in the Indian subcontinent.

Statement-wise Analysis:

1. Delhi Ridge (Correct): The Delhi Ridge acts as a water divide between the Indus drainage system (flowing into the Arabian Sea) and the Ganga drainage system (flowing into the Bay of Bengal). It is the northernmost extension of the divide.
2. Aravalis (Correct): The Aravali range runs southwest from Delhi. It separates the drainage of rivers like the Luni (flowing towards the Rann of Kutch/Arabian Sea) from the tributaries of the Yamuna/Ganga system (like the Banas) which flow towards the Bay of Bengal.
3. Sahyadris (Correct): Also known as the Western Ghats, the Sahyadris form the major water divide in Peninsular India. They run parallel to the western coast. Most major peninsular rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) rise here and flow east into the Bay of Bengal, while numerous small, swift rivers flow west into the Arabian Sea.
4. Vindhyas (Incorrect): While the Vindhyas separate the drainage of the Ganga basin (North) from the drainage of the Deccan (South), they are not typically classified as part of the primary continuous "Great Indian Water Divide" line in standard physiographic definitions. The standard definition traces the line through the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris. The Narmada and Tapi rivers, which flow into the Arabian Sea, flow through rift valleys south of the Vindhyas, making the divide in this central region more complex than a single range.

Key Takeaway:
The water divide between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal drainage is defined by the line traversing the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris (Western Ghats).

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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hard

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:

medium

Which river is formed by the confluence of the Saraswati and the Sabarmati at Govindgarh?

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Keep practising Chapter 4: Drainage systems

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The correct option is
1, 2 and 3 only
.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

1. Delhi Ridge (Correct): The Delhi Ridge acts as a water divide between the Indus drainage system (flowing into the Arabian Sea) and the Ganga drainage system (flowing into the Bay of Bengal). It is the northernmost extension of the divide.
2. Aravalis (Correct): The Aravali range runs southwest from Delhi. It separates the drainage of rivers like the Luni (flowing towards the Rann of Kutch/Arabian Sea) from the tributaries of the Yamuna/Ganga system (like the Banas) which flow towards the Bay of Bengal.
3. Sahyadris (Correct): Also known as the Western Ghats, the Sahyadris form the major water divide in Peninsular India. They run parallel to the western coast. Most major peninsular rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) rise here and flow east into the Bay of Bengal, while numerous small, swift rivers flow west into the Arabian Sea.
4. Vindhyas (Incorrect): While the Vindhyas separate the drainage of the Ganga basin (North) from the drainage of the Deccan (South), they are not typically classified as part of the primary continuous "Great Indian Water Divide" line in standard physiographic definitions. The standard definition traces the line through the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris. The Narmada and Tapi rivers, which flow into the Arabian Sea, flow through rift valleys south of the Vindhyas, making the divide in this central region more complex than a single range.

Key Takeaway:
The water divide between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal drainage is defined by the line traversing the Delhi Ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris (Western Ghats).