In Indian river geography, which one of the following rivers is known for being significantly recharged by subsoil water rather than only by surface rainfall or snowmelt?

Introduction / Context:
Rivers can be fed by different sources of water, including snowmelt, direct rainfall run off, and underground or subsoil water. Some Indian geography questions ask you to identify rivers that receive a significant part of their flow from groundwater recharge. This question focuses on recognising which river among the options is particularly associated with subsoil water recharge in standard exam material.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options are Godavari, Damodar, Narmada, and Krishna.
• The question asks which river is recharged by subsoil water.
• We assume school level knowledge of Indian river systems and the typical classification of rainfed and groundwater supported rivers.

Concept / Approach:
The main concept is understanding that some rivers flowing through hard rock regions, rift valleys, or plateau areas are kept flowing in part by groundwater seepage and subsoil contributions. Narmada, which flows westwards through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, is often cited in exam material as a river recharged by subsoil water. While rainfall is still important, the unique geological setting supports significant interaction with groundwater. The other rivers listed are major peninsular or eastern rivers but are not typically highlighted with this specific description in standard general knowledge questions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Narmada flows through a deep rift valley and along hard rock formations between Vindhya and Satpura ranges.Step 2: Understand that such geological conditions promote storage of water in subsoil layers, which can feed the river through springs and seepage.Step 3: Recognise that exam oriented geography often categorises Narmada as a river significantly recharged by subsoil water.Step 4: Compare this with Godavari, Damodar, and Krishna, which are generally described mainly as rainfed peninsular rivers with large surface catchments.Step 5: Conclude that Narmada is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
As an alternative check, think of multiple choice questions you may have seen where Narmada is highlighted for its rift valley course, waterfalls, and groundwater linkages. Reference guides on Indian geography often pair the phrase recharged by subsoil water directly with Narmada. This repeated association in educational material serves as confirmation when answering standard GK questions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Godavari: It is a large peninsular river draining central and eastern India, heavily dependent on the monsoon, and is not specifically labelled in textbooks as being recharged primarily by subsoil water.

Damodar: This river is known more for its past floods and dams constructed for flood control and power, not for being specially noted as groundwater recharged in common exam questions.
Krishna: Another major peninsular river, Krishna is largely rainfed and regulated by reservoirs and canals; its description does not focus on subsoil recharge in basic GK material.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical error is to pick Godavari or Krishna simply because they are very large rivers, without considering the specific phrase recharged by subsoil water. Another problem is overlooking the geological clues; the rift valley course of Narmada is more likely to be linked with unique hydrological behaviour. To avoid such mistakes, align your choice with the exact wording that appears in exam oriented notes rather than relying only on river size or familiarity.

Final Answer:
The river that is recharged by subsoil water among the options given is Narmada.