What is the effect of the eastward slope of the Deccan Plateau on the peninsular river system?

Correct answer: Most major rivers flow toward the Bay of Bengal

The governing concept is that the general slope of land controls the direction of surface drainage. Much of the Deccan Plateau slopes eastward or southeastward from the Western Ghats. Consequently, major peninsular rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi and Cauvery generally travel east and drain into the Bay of Bengal, often forming deltas. Option A is therefore correct. The word “most” is important because a few rivers, including the Narmada and Tapi, flow west through rift valleys into the Arabian Sea. The other options incorrectly claim that all rivers follow one impossible route.