The second largest river basin of India is -

Question

The second largest river basin of India is -

1. A. Mahanadi river basin
2. B. Narmada river basin (Correct answer)
3. C. Godavari river basin
4. D. Kaveri river basin

Correct Answer

Option B — Narmada river basin

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Narmada river basin.

Key Points

• The official Series E key marks option (B) for this question.
• Important clarification for aspirants: by drainage area, standard sources including the Central Water Commission rank the Ganga basin as India's largest (about 8.61 lakh sq km), followed by the Godavari basin (about 3.13 lakh sq km), which is usually described as the second largest river basin in India and the largest peninsular river basin, earning the Godavari the title "Dakshin Ganga" (Ganga of the South).
• The Narmada basin is considerably smaller, at roughly 98,000 sq km.
• The Narmada, however, holds other distinctions worth remembering: it is the longest west-flowing river of India, rises at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, and forms the traditional divide between North and South India.

Exam Tip

• if you meet this question again, note both the official key and the standard basin-area ranking.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

भारत का सबसे बड़ा द्वितीय नदी बेसिन है:

1. A. महानदी नदी बेसिन
2. B. नर्मदा नदी बेसिन
3. C. गोदावरी नदी बेसिन
4. D. कावेरी नदी बेसिन