The Mahanadi is a major river in east central India. It originates from which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
Indian river systems are a core component of physical and regional geography. The Mahanadi is a major east flowing river in east central India and plays a significant role in irrigation, power generation, and delta formation along the Bay of Bengal. Knowing its origin state helps learners understand drainage patterns, inter state river issues, and the overall geography of central and eastern India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The river mentioned is the Mahanadi, described as a major river in east central India.
• The options are the states Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• The question asks for the state where the river originates, not where it flows later or where its delta is located.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is to distinguish between the source region of the river and the states through which it flows. The Mahanadi rises in the highlands of Chhattisgarh, in the Sihawa range near Dhamtari district. From there it flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before forming a large delta near Cuttack and Puri and finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, while Odisha is strongly associated with Mahanadi due to the delta, the correct origin state is Chhattisgarh.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Mahanadi is an east flowing peninsular river that ultimately reaches the Bay of Bengal. Step 2: Identify that its source lies in the central highlands, not in coastal regions. Step 3: Remember that the Sihawa hills in present day Chhattisgarh state are commonly cited as the origin area of the Mahanadi. Step 4: Recognise that West Bengal and Jharkhand are further east and north of this source region, and Madhya Pradesh lies to the west of Chhattisgarh. Step 5: Conclude that the correct origin state from the options is Chhattisgarh.

Verification / Alternative check:
If we trace the river on a physical map, we can see the Mahanadi starting in the east central highlands and then flowing eastward across the Chhattisgarh plain into Odisha. Many geography texts clearly state that the river originates near Sihawa in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh. Cross checking with such sources confirms that Chhattisgarh is the correct state of origin.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Jharkhand: Although it has many rivers, it is not the source state of the Mahanadi.
• West Bengal: Located further east, this state lies downstream of several river systems but is not connected to the Mahanadi source.
• Odisha: The Mahanadi flows extensively through Odisha and forms its delta there, but it does not originate in this state.
• Madhya Pradesh: Lies to the west and contributes to other river systems; the source of Mahanadi is in Chhattisgarh instead.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is to choose Odisha because many people associate the Mahanadi delta and major cities like Cuttack with this river. Another mistake is to guess Madhya Pradesh due to its central location, without recalling the specific Sihawa hill region. Practising river origin and mouth locations on a map is one of the most reliable ways to avoid such confusion in exams.

Final Answer:
The Mahanadi river originates in the state of Chhattisgarh.