The Tapi
Explanation
The drainage system of the Peninsular Plateau is largely dictated by the general tilt of the block from west to east. Consequently, most major rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal. However, certain rivers flow westward or in specific structural troughs due to geological faulting. These structural depressions are known as rift valleys.
Option Analysis
- The Godavari The Godavari & The Krishna The Krishna: These are major east-flowing rivers. They originate in the Western Ghats and flow across the plateau following the natural gradient (slope) of the land towards the Bay of Bengal. They do not flow through rift valleys.
- The Damodar The Damodar: The Damodar River flows through a fault trough (a type of rift structure) on the Chotanagpur Plateau. While it is geologically accurate that it flows through a rift, in the context of Indian geography questions comparing major river systems, the Narmada and Tapi are the primary examples of rivers defined by their rift valley courses which allow them to flow westward against the general slope of the peninsula.
- The Tapi The Tapi: The Tapi (or Tapti) is a major river that originates from Multai in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. It flows westward through a distinct rift valley located between the Satpura Range to the north and the Ajanta/Satmala Hills to the south. Along with the Narmada, it is the most prominent example of rift valley drainage in India.
Key Takeaway
The Narmada and Tapi are the two major peninsular rivers that flow westward through rift valleys, contrary to the general eastward slope of the Deccan Plateau.