Question

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Peninsular Rivers?

• A. Seasonal flow
• B. Meandering tendency often shifting their beds
• C. Little erosional activity
• D. Fed by rain only

Hint:

Key Comparison:
1. Himalayan Rivers: Perennial, young, heavy silt, high meandering.
2. Peninsular Rivers: Seasonal, old, low silt, stable straight beds.
The Kosi river in the north is famous for shifting its bed, while the Kaveri in the south is very stable.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify a feature that does not apply to the peninsular (southern) rivers of India, such as the Godavari, Krishna, or Kaveri.
Detailed Explanation:

• Seasonal Flow (Option A): Correct characteristic. Unlike Himalayan rivers which are perennial (fed by glaciers), peninsular rivers are dependent on monsoons and often dry up or significantly reduce in volume during the summer.

• Meandering tendency (Option B): Incorrect characteristic for Peninsular rivers. Meandering is a feature of rivers flowing through soft, alluvial plains with heavy silt loads, which is typical of Himalayan rivers (like the Ganga or Kosi). Peninsular rivers flow through hard, cratonic rocks (Deccan plateau), which restricts their lateral movement. They have relatively straight and fixed courses.

• Little erosional activity (Option C): Correct characteristic. Because these rivers are geologically older and flow over hard rock, and because their gradients are relatively mature, they have much less erosional power compared to young Himalayan rivers.

• Fed by rain only (Option D): Correct characteristic. They are non-perennial and rely entirely on precipitation (monsoon).

Step 2: Final Answer:
The tendency to meander and shift beds is a characteristic of Himalayan rivers, not Peninsular rivers.