Which one of the following Indian rivers does not flow into the Arabian Sea but instead drains into the Bay of Bengal?

Introduction / Context:
India's river systems are divided according to the seas in which they drain. Some major rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal, while others drain into the Arabian Sea. This question asks you to identify the river that does not flow into the Arabian Sea among the options given, which is a common topic in basic Indian geography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are comparing rivers that either flow into the Arabian Sea or the Bay of Bengal. • Tapati, Narmada, Periyar and Sabarmati are well known west flowing rivers. • Kaveri is a major river of southern India.

Concept / Approach:
Most large peninsular rivers, such as the Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal. Only a few important rivers, like Narmada and Tapati, flow westwards into the Arabian Sea. Periyar and Sabarmati are also west flowing rivers draining into the Arabian Sea. Therefore, by remembering that Kaveri is an east flowing river, we can identify it as the exception among the options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kaveri originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Step 2: Know that Kaveri finally empties into the Bay of Bengal near the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. Step 3: Remember that Narmada and Tapati are classic examples of west flowing rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Step 4: Periyar is the largest river in Kerala and also flows westwards into the Arabian Sea. Step 5: Sabarmati flows through Gujarat and also drains into the Arabian Sea. Therefore Kaveri is the only river in the list not flowing into the Arabian Sea.

Verification / Alternative check:
River maps of India clearly show Kaveri joining the Bay of Bengal, while Narmada, Tapati, Periyar and Sabarmati all meet the Arabian Sea at different points on the western coast. Exam preparation summaries often classify Kaveri among the east flowing peninsular rivers and Narmada and Tapati among the main west flowing rivers, which supports this choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Tapati: Flows westwards through central India and enters the Arabian Sea near Surat. Narmada: Flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges and drains into the Arabian Sea near the Gulf of Khambhat. Periyar: Major river of Kerala flowing west into the Arabian Sea. Sabarmati: River of Rajasthan and Gujarat that flows into the Arabian Sea after passing near Ahmedabad.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes assume that all southern rivers flow eastwards or confuse the direction of lesser known rivers like Periyar and Sabarmati. Another mistake is to focus only on the source region and ignore the final drainage basin. A quick check of "east flowing versus west flowing" peninsular rivers helps avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
The river that does not flow into the Arabian Sea but instead drains into the Bay of Bengal is Kaveri.