The correct option is (d).
Explanation
The Peninsular drainage system is older than the Himalayan one. Most of the major rivers of the Peninsula, such as the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna, and the Kaveri, flow eastwards and drain into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers are characterized by broad, shallow valleys and the formation of extensive deltas at their mouths due to the gentle slope of the Eastern Coastal Plains and high sediment load.
- Mahanadi: Rising in the highlands of Chhattisgarh, it flows through Odisha to reach the Bay of Bengal. It forms a significant delta on the eastern coast.
- Godavari: Known as the Dakshin Ganga, it is the largest Peninsular river system. It forms a large, lobate delta on the Andhra Pradesh coast.
- Krishna: The second-largest east-flowing Peninsular river, it forms a prominent delta near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. The deltas of the Krishna and Godavari have merged over time.
- Kaveri: Rising in the Brahmagiri hills of Karnataka, it flows into the Bay of Bengal in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. It forms a wide delta known as the "Garden of Southern India."
Key Takeaway: All major east-flowing Peninsular rivers (Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) form deltas, whereas major west-flowing rivers (Narmada, Tapi) flow through rift valleys and form estuaries.