UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 65 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Narmada Westward Flow
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2013
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Show answer
Answer: A. 1 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1 only
Analysis
According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013 General Studies Paper, the correct option is 1 only.
Most major Peninsular rivers flow east because the general slope of the Peninsular Plateau is west to east. Narmada is an exception because it flows through a rift valley towards the Arabian Sea.
Statement by statement
1. It occupies a linear rift valley — Correct
The Narmada flows through a linear rift valley formed due to faulting.
This rift valley has a westward gradient, which directs the river towards the Arabian Sea.
This is the main geological reason for its westward flow.
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras — Incorrect
This statement is factually true, but it does not explain the westward flow of the Narmada.
The Narmada flows between the Vindhya range in the north and the Satpura range in the south.
However, the reason for its direction is the rift valley, not merely its location between two ranges.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central India — Incorrect
This statement is incorrect.
The general slope of the Peninsular Plateau is from west to east.
That is why most large Peninsular rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi and Kaveri flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal.
Extra UPSC info
* Narmada originates from the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh.
* It drains into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat.
* Narmada forms an estuary, not a delta.
* Tapi is another important west-flowing Peninsular river flowing through a rift valley.
* Dhuandhar Falls and Marble Rocks near Jabalpur are associated with the Narmada.
* Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the Narmada river.
How to crack it
Narmada flows west mainly because it occupies a linear rift valley, not because of the general slope of Central India.