Which Indian river is popularly known as the Dakshin Ganga, or the Ganges of the South, because of its large basin and cultural importance?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of important river nicknames in Indian geography. Many major rivers in India have traditional names or titles that reflect their cultural, economic or geographic significance. Dakshin Ganga, meaning Ganges of the South, is one such title used for a major peninsular river.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The local title mentioned is Dakshin Ganga, which translates to Ganges of the South.
• The options are Cauvery, Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi and Narmada.
• The correct river should be a large peninsular river with an extensive basin and cultural importance.
• No numerical data is provided, so the answer relies on standard naming conventions taught in geography.

Concept / Approach:
The river Godavari is the longest river in peninsular India and has a vast drainage basin spreading across several states. Because of its length, water volume and cultural importance, it is popularly called Dakshin Ganga, the Ganges of the South. While other rivers such as Krishna and Cauvery are also important, the specific nickname Dakshin Ganga is most strongly attached to the Godavari river in textbooks and exam oriented material.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the major peninsular rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Mahanadi and Narmada. Step 2: Remember that the longest of these in peninsular India is the Godavari. Step 3: Connect the nickname Dakshin Ganga with the Godavari, which is often described as the Ganges of the South. Step 4: Confirm that Cauvery and Krishna, while very important, do not usually carry this specific traditional title in exam material. Step 5: Select Godavari as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification is easy with any standard Indian geography text. Chapters on river systems usually mention that the Godavari is called Dakshin Ganga due to its extensive basin and the many religious and cultural associations along its course. Maps and exam preparation guides that list river nicknames also consistently pair Dakshin Ganga with the Godavari, confirming this match.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Cauvery is extremely important for irrigation and culture in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu but is associated with different local titles and disputes, not with the name Dakshin Ganga. Krishna is another major peninsular river that flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, yet the specific nickname in question is not usually applied to it. Mahanadi flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha and does not carry the Dakshin Ganga title. Narmada is a west flowing river into the Arabian Sea and is not conventionally called the Ganges of the South.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Cauvery or Krishna with Godavari because they are all important southern rivers. Another common mistake is simply to guess based on personal familiarity with a river rather than recalling the specific nickname used in books. To avoid such errors, memorise the key associations: Ganga as the main sacred river of the north and Godavari as the river commonly referred to as Dakshin Ganga in the south.

Final Answer:
Godavari