UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 15: Geography
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.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The Narmada flows west because it occupies a rift valley, a fault-bounded trough running east to west between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, which guides the river to the Arabian Sea; the Tapti does the same. Statement 2 only describes where the river flows and does not give the reason. Statement 3 is false: the peninsular plateau tilts eastwards, which is why most peninsular rivers drain to the Bay of Bengal.
- 1. A linear rift valley directs the river westwards.
- 2. It is true that it flows between the ranges, but this does not explain the westward flow.
- 3. The land slopes east, not west, from central India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Correct. The rift valley is the reason for the westward flow.
- (b) Wrong. The slope of the land is eastwards, and the location alone does not explain the direction.
- (c) Wrong. Statement 3 is false, since the plateau slopes east.
- (d) Wrong. Statement 1 gives the correct reason.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.