Peninsular river systems (east-flowing vs west-flowing)
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UPSC consistently tests river classification, drainage patterns, and watershed characteristics through map-based and factual questions. Examiners focus on why certain rivers flow east vs west (Western Ghats as watershed divider), key river names in each system, and their tributaries. Common mistakes: confusing river directions, misidentifying Western Ghats role, or forgetting that east-flowing rivers are longer overall.
Western Ghats = watershed divide: west-flowing short, east-flowing long
East-flowing: Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery (Bay of Bengal)
West-flowing: Narmada, Tapti, Periyar (Arabian Sea)
East-flowing are longer; west-flowing steeper & swifter
Deccan Plateau tilts east; gravity drives drainage pattern