Which is the largest peninsular river of India in terms of length and basin area?

Introduction / Context:
India major rivers are often classified into Himalayan rivers and peninsular rivers. Among the peninsular rivers, one stands out for having the largest basin area and considerable length. This question tests your knowledge of which peninsular river holds that distinction, an important fact in Indian physical geography and agriculture.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on peninsular rivers of India, not Himalayan rivers. • We are asked for the largest peninsular river in terms of length and basin area. • The options list Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Cauvery and Narmada.

Concept / Approach:
The Godavari river is widely known as the largest peninsular river of India. It is often called the Dakshin Ganga or Ganga of the South because of its extensive basin and importance. Its basin area is larger than that of other peninsular rivers such as Krishna, Mahanadi and Cauvery. Therefore, the method is to recall that Godavari has the largest catchment area among these rivers and choose it as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the major peninsular rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Cauvery and also Narmada and Tapti. Step 2: Recall that the Godavari originates in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and flows eastwards across several states before entering the Bay of Bengal, covering a very large basin. Step 3: Remember that Krishna, Mahanadi and Cauvery also flow eastwards but have smaller basin areas and lengths compared to Godavari. Step 4: Narmada flows westwards into the Arabian Sea and, although important, still has a smaller basin area than Godavari. Step 5: Since Godavari has the largest peninsular river basin and is often called the Dakshin Ganga, select Godavari as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Geography textbooks commonly present a table of major Indian rivers and their basin areas. In these tables, the Ganga basin is the largest in India overall, and the Godavari basin is the largest among peninsular rivers. Many exam guides explicitly state that Godavari is the largest peninsular river, with Krishna coming next. No reputable source claims that Krishna, Mahanadi, Cauvery or Narmada surpass the Godavari in basin area among peninsular rivers.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Krishna: A long and important peninsular river, but its basin is smaller than that of the Godavari. Mahanadi: Serves eastern India and forms a large delta in Odisha, yet it is not as extensive as the Godavari basin. Cauvery: Significant for southern states, but much shorter and with a smaller basin compared to Godavari. Narmada: A major west flowing river, but its drainage area is still less than that of the Godavari.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the Godavari with the Krishna regarding basin size because both are long peninsular rivers that flow eastwards. Another common error is to incorrectly assume that Narmada is the largest because it is often mentioned in discussions about west flowing rivers. To avoid such mistakes, remember the simple ranking that after the Ganga, the Godavari has the second largest river basin in India overall and is the largest among peninsular rivers.

Final Answer:
The largest peninsular river of India is the Godavari.