UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 78: Geography

What is the correct sequence of the rivers—Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmada and Tapti in the descending order of their lengths?

aGodavari—Mahanadi—Narmada—Tapti

bGodavari—Narmada—Mahanadi—Tapti

cNarmada—Godavari—Tapti—Mahanadi

dNarmada—Tapti—Godavari—Mahanadi

AnswerThe answer is (b).

By length, the Godavari (about 1,465 km) is the longest of the four peninsular rivers, followed by the Narmada (about 1,312 km), the Mahanadi (about 858 km) and the Tapti (about 724 km). So the descending order is Godavari, Narmada, Mahanadi, Tapti. Remember the Godavari as the longest peninsular river and the Narmada as the longest west-flowing river.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The Narmada is longer than the Mahanadi, but this order puts the Mahanadi ahead.
(b) Correct: Godavari, Narmada, Mahanadi, Tapti.
(c) The Narmada is shorter than the Godavari, so it cannot come first.
(d) The Godavari is the longest, not third.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.