The Satpura Range of central India lies between which two major west flowing rivers?

Introduction / Context:
The Satpura Range is an important hill range in central India and forms a major physical feature separating the Narmada valley from the Tapi valley. Many exam questions are framed around the relative positions of mountains, plateaus, and rivers because they test your understanding of the Indian physical map. Knowing which rivers flow to the west and how they relate to the Satpura Range helps you visualise the central Indian landscape accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the Satpura Range in central India.
• We are asked to identify between which two west flowing rivers this range is situated.
• The options include combinations of Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Luni.
• We assume the standard physical map of India as taught in geography.

Concept / Approach:
In the Indian peninsular plateau, a few major rivers flow westward into the Arabian Sea, including the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Luni. The Satpura Range lies south of the Narmada and north of the Tapi. The Narmada flows in a rift valley between the Vindhyas to the north and the Satpuras to the south, while the Tapi flows further south, roughly parallel to the Narmada for a long stretch. To answer the question, we must recall the relative positions of these rivers and ranges and identify the correct pair that bounds the Satpura Range.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Narmada is a major west flowing river that runs between the Vindhya Range (to the north) and the Satpura Range (to the south). Step 2: Remember that the Tapi is another west flowing river that runs south of the Satpura Range and roughly parallel to the Narmada for part of its course. Step 3: Visualise that the Satpura Range lies between these two rivers: Narmada to its north and Tapi to its south. Step 4: Compare the options: pairs involving Luni or Mahi do not match the actual location of the Satpuras in central India. Step 5: Therefore, the correct pair of rivers between which the Satpura Range is situated is Narmada and Tapi.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can confirm this by looking at any standard physical map of India. The Narmada is clearly shown flowing westwards between the Vindhyas and Satpuras, while the Tapi is located further south, also flowing into the Arabian Sea. The Satpura Range appears as a chain of hills between these two river valleys. Geography textbooks routinely describe the Satpuras as the range lying between the Narmada and Tapi rivers, which verifies the answer beyond doubt.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Narmada and Luni: Luni is a river of the Rajasthan desert region and does not directly bound the Satpura Range. Tapi and Mahi: Mahi flows through parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, but it does not form the main boundary for the Satpuras. Mahi and Luni: Both these rivers are associated with western Rajasthan and Gujarat, far away from the central Indian Satpura Range.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse the positions of west flowing rivers because their courses can look similar on a small map. Some students also mix up the Vindhya and Satpura ranges or forget which river flows between which ranges. To avoid this, remember a simple picture: Vindhyas in the north, Narmada valley, Satpuras, then Tapi valley further south. Repeating this mental pattern will help you answer many related MCQs quickly and accurately.

Final Answer:
The Satpura Range of central India is situated between the two west flowing rivers Narmada and Tapi.