In Indian river geography, which one of the following rivers does not form a delta at its mouth?

Introduction / Context:
Rivers can end either in a delta or in an estuary, and this distinction is fundamental in physical geography. Deltas are fan shaped deposits of sediments where a river splits into many distributaries before entering the sea, while estuaries are deep funnel shaped mouths where the river meets the sea without creating extensive branching. This question checks if you can remember which important Indian river flows into the sea without forming a large delta.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We have four rivers to evaluate: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari, and Tapi.
• We must identify the river that does not form a delta at its mouth.
• We assume standard descriptions from Indian school geography textbooks.
• All rivers eventually reach the sea but have differing coastal landforms.

Concept / Approach:
Large rivers that flow slowly in their lower courses and carry heavy sediment loads tend to build deltas, especially on the eastern coastal plains. In India, the Ganga and Brahmaputra together form the world famous Ganga Brahmaputra delta, while the Godavari forms a major delta on the east coast. In contrast, some west flowing rivers, particularly those entering the Arabian Sea, often form estuaries instead of deltas because of high energy coastal conditions and deeper coastal waters.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Ganga and Brahmaputra join to form one of the largest deltas on Earth in Bangladesh and West Bengal. Step 2: Note that the Godavari also enters the Bay of Bengal and forms an extensive deltaic region in Andhra Pradesh. Step 3: Recognise that the Tapi river flows westward through central India toward the Arabian Sea near Surat in Gujarat. Step 4: The lower course of the Tapi is relatively short and the coastal configuration near its mouth favours an estuary rather than a broad delta. Step 5: Therefore, Tapi is the river among the options that does not form a significant delta at its mouth.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to recall which rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal and which into the Arabian Sea. Eastern coast rivers such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Godavari are famous for creating fertile delta plains used for intensive agriculture. In contrast, many west coast rivers, including the Tapi, open into narrower estuaries where tidal action removes much of the sediment. This quick coast based classification confirms that Tapi is the exception.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Ganga, together with the Brahmaputra, builds the huge Ganga Brahmaputra delta, so it clearly does not fit the description of a non delta forming river. The Brahmaputra by itself carries enormous sediment from the Himalayas and contributes heavily to the same delta. The Godavari is another east flowing Peninsular river that forms a well known delta before entering the Bay of Bengal. Hence, all three of these rivers are classic examples of delta forming rivers.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse estuaries and deltas or assume that any large river must form a delta. Another error is to base the answer only on river length rather than on mouth characteristics. In exam conditions, it helps to memorise a short list of important Indian rivers that form estuaries, such as the Narmada and Tapi, and contrast them with the major delta forming east coast rivers. This ensures that you immediately recognise Tapi as the correct non delta option.

Final Answer:
Among the given rivers, the one that does not form a delta at its mouth is the Tapi river.