NCERT Class 9 Geography — Chapter 3: Drainage

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Which of the following rivers rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe Mahanadi
BThe Godavari
CThe Tapi
DThe Narmada

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

The Mahanadi

Explanation

The Peninsular drainage system comprises rivers that are older than the Himalayan rivers. Their courses are established, and their sources are located in specific highland regions of the Deccan Plateau and Central Highlands.

The Godavari is Incorrect: The Godavari is the largest Peninsular river system. It rises from the slopes of the Western Ghats in the Nasik district of Maharashtra.
The Mahanadi is Correct: The Mahanadi rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh (specifically near Sihawa in the Raipur district). It flows through Odisha to discharge its water into the Bay of Bengal.
The Narmada is Incorrect: The Narmada originates on the western flank of the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh. It flows westwards in a rift valley between the Satpura and Vindhya ranges.
The Tapi is Incorrect: The Tapi originates from Multai in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. It flows parallel to the Narmada but is shorter in length.

Key Takeaway: Among the major Peninsular rivers, the Mahanadi is distinct for its origin in the Chhattisgarh highlands, while the Narmada and Tapi originate in Madhya Pradesh, and the Godavari originates in Maharashtra.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Drainage

With reference to the Brahmaputra River System, consider the following statements: 1. It rises in Tibet east of Mansarowar lake. 2. On reaching the Namcha Barwa, it takes a ‘U’ turn and enters India in Sikkim. 3. In Tibet, the river carries a large volume of water and silt due to the cold and dry conditions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Indus River System: 1. The river Indus rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarowar. 2. It enters India in the state of Himachal Pradesh. 3. The Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab, and the Jhelum join together to enter the Indus near Karachi in Pakistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Ganga River System, consider the following statements: 1. The headwaters of the Ganga, called the ‘Bhagirathi’, is fed by the Gangotri Glacier. 2. At Varanasi, the Ganga emerges from the mountains on to the plains. 3. The Yamuna flows perpendicular to the Ganga and meets it at Patna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following pairs of rivers and their descriptions: Pair | Description 1. Narmada | Flows in a rift valley formed due to faulting 2. Tapi | Rises in the Satpura ranges in the Betul district 3. Godavari | Its drainage basin is the largest among the peninsular rivers 4. Mahanadi | Rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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Which of the following rivers is NOT a tributary of the Godavari?

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The correct option is

The Mahanadi

Explanation

The Godavari is Incorrect: The Godavari is the largest Peninsular river system. It rises from the slopes of the Western Ghats in the Nasik district of Maharashtra.
The Mahanadi is Correct: The Mahanadi rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh (specifically near Sihawa in the Raipur district). It flows through Odisha to discharge its water into the Bay of Bengal.
The Narmada is Incorrect: The Narmada originates on the western flank of the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh. It flows westwards in a rift valley between the Satpura and Vindhya ranges.
The Tapi is Incorrect: The Tapi originates from Multai in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. It flows parallel to the Narmada but is shorter in length.