Chambal
Explanation
The Ganga river system is the largest drainage basin in India. It consists of the main river Ganga and a vast network of tributaries that join it from the Himalayas in the north and the Peninsular uplands in the south. Understanding the hierarchy of tributaries (direct and indirect) is essential for mapping the drainage system.
Option Analysis:
- Chambal: Correct. The Chambal River is a major tributary of the Yamuna River. It originates in the Malwa Plateau and joins the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. Since the Yamuna is the longest and most significant right-bank tributary of the Ganga, the Chambal is considered an integral part of the Ganga river system.
- Brahmaputra: Incorrect. The Brahmaputra is a distinct and major trans-boundary river system. Although it merges with the Ganga in Bangladesh (forming the Padma and later the Meghna), in the context of Indian geography, it is classified as a separate river system distinct from the Ganga basin.
- Mahanadi: Incorrect. The Mahanadi is a major independent river system in East Central India. It flows directly into the Bay of Bengal and is not connected to the Ganga drainage basin.
- Godavari: Incorrect. The Godavari is the largest river system in Peninsular India. It flows independently into the Bay of Bengal and is geographically separated from the Ganga system by the Central Highlands.
Key Takeaway:
The Chambal is a significant peninsular tributary that feeds into the Yamuna, thereby forming a crucial part of the larger Ganga drainage system. In contrast, rivers like the Mahanadi and Godavari constitute independent drainage basins.