Which of the following physiographic features acts as the principal water divide in Peninsular India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: (C) The Western Ghats
Explanation:
In Peninsular India, the Western Ghats serve as the primary water divide. A water divide is an elevated region that separates two river basins. The Western Ghats extend over a length of approximately 1,600 km, running parallel to the Arabian Sea coast from the valley of the Tapi River in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.
Its geographical positioning is such that it serves as the source for most of the major rivers of Peninsular India, such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Since the elevation of the Western Ghats is higher on the western side and the general slope is towards the east, these rivers—despite originating in close proximity to the Arabian Sea—flow eastward and drain into the Bay of Bengal. Only a few rivers, such as the Narmada and Tapi, flow westward through rift valleys.
Additional Points:
Vindhya Range: This range creates a geographical barrier between North India and South India.
Aravalli Hills: This is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world and acts as a water divide in northwestern India.
Eastern Ghats: Being highly dissected and of lower elevation, this range does not function as a continuous water divide.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: Which geographical feature is known by the name 'Sahyadri'?
Answer: The Western Ghats.
Question: Which is the longest river in South India?
Answer: The Godavari (also referred to as the 'Dakshin Ganga' or 'Southern Ganges').