With reference to the Peninsular rivers, consider the following statements: 1. A large number of them are seasonal. 2. Their flow is constant throughout the year regardless of rainfall. 3. Even the large rivers have reduced flow of water in their channels during the dry season. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The Peninsular drainage system predates the Himalayan system. A defining characteristic of Peninsular rivers is their flow regime, which is primarily determined by the seasonal rhythm of the monsoons. - Statement 1 is Correct: A large number of Peninsular rivers are seasonal in nature. Unlike the Himalayan rivers, which are fed by both melting glaciers and precipitation, Peninsular rivers are almost exclusively rain-fed. Consequently, they do not maintain a continuous flow throughout the year in the absence of rainfall. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The flow of Peninsular rivers is not constant. It fluctuates significantly based on the intensity and duration of rainfall. During the monsoon, they carry a large volume of water, whereas, in non-monsoon months, the flow diminishes. Constant flow regardless of rainfall is a characteristic of perennial Himalayan rivers. - Statement 3 is Correct: Due to their dependence on rainfall, even the large Peninsular rivers (such as the Godavari and Krishna) experience a substantial reduction in water flow within their channels during the dry season. Key Takeaway: The fundamental distinction between the two major Indian drainage systems is that Himalayan rivers are perennial (snow and rain-fed), while Peninsular rivers are seasonal (rain-fed).

NCERT Class 9 Geography — Chapter 3: Drainage

mcqeasy

With reference to the Peninsular rivers, consider the following statements:

A large number of them are seasonal.
Their flow is constant throughout the year regardless of rainfall.
Even the large rivers have reduced flow of water in their channels during the dry season.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Peninsular drainage system predates the Himalayan system. A defining characteristic of Peninsular rivers is their flow regime, which is primarily determined by the seasonal rhythm of the monsoons.

Statement 1 is Correct: A large number of Peninsular rivers are seasonal in nature. Unlike the Himalayan rivers, which are fed by both melting glaciers and precipitation, Peninsular rivers are almost exclusively rain-fed. Consequently, they do not maintain a continuous flow throughout the year in the absence of rainfall.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The flow of Peninsular rivers is not constant. It fluctuates significantly based on the intensity and duration of rainfall. During the monsoon, they carry a large volume of water, whereas, in non-monsoon months, the flow diminishes. Constant flow regardless of rainfall is a characteristic of perennial Himalayan rivers.
Statement 3 is Correct: Due to their dependence on rainfall, even the large Peninsular rivers (such as the Godavari and Krishna) experience a substantial reduction in water flow within their channels during the dry season.

Key Takeaway: The fundamental distinction between the two major Indian drainage systems is that Himalayan rivers are perennial (snow and rain-fed), while Peninsular rivers are seasonal (rain-fed).

Your note

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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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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: A large number of Peninsular rivers are seasonal in nature. Unlike the Himalayan rivers, which are fed by both melting glaciers and precipitation, Peninsular rivers are almost exclusively rain-fed. Consequently, they do not maintain a continuous flow throughout the year in the absence of rainfall.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The flow of Peninsular rivers is not constant. It fluctuates significantly based on the intensity and duration of rainfall. During the monsoon, they carry a large volume of water, whereas, in non-monsoon months, the flow diminishes. Constant flow regardless of rainfall is a characteristic of perennial Himalayan rivers.
Statement 3 is Correct: Due to their dependence on rainfall, even the large Peninsular rivers (such as the Godavari and Krishna) experience a substantial reduction in water flow within their channels during the dry season.