UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 92
The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
- It occupies a linear rift valley.
- It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
- The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: Narmada flows west through an east–west tectonic rift valley. Merely locating it between Vindhya and Satpura does not explain the direction of flow, and Central India does not slope uniformly west.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - The linear rift valley provides the structural corridor for the Narmada’s westward course.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Although it flows between Vindhya and Satpura ranges, that geographical position by itself is not the causal explanation.
Statement/Item 3: Incorrect - Peninsular India generally slopes eastward; there is no blanket westward slope across central India.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - selects all and only the accurate statements/pairs.
B: Incorrect - includes false items 2, 3 and excludes true item 1.
C: Incorrect - includes false item 3.
D: Incorrect - excludes true item 1.
Review Note: Statement 2 is geographically true, but the question asks “Why?” and the supplied official answer A treats only the rift valley as the causal explanation. Reference: https://mrunal.org/2013/06/answerkey-csat-2013-gs-geography-physical-indian-world-geography-questions-solved-with-explanation-reference-all-four-sets-abcd.html/comment-page-1