Which major river divides the Peninsular Plateau into two parts?

The correct answer is Narmada.

Key Points

• The Narmada River flows in a westward direction through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
• It is the fifth-largest river in the Indian subcontinent.
• The Narmada River is also known as the "Life Line of Madhya Pradesh" due to its immense importance in the state.
• This river divides the Peninsular Plateau into two distinct regions: the Malwa Plateau to the north and the Deccan Plateau to the south.

Additional Information

• Peninsular Plateau
  • The Peninsular Plateau is a large plateau in southern India that forms the core of the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is composed primarily of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
  • This plateau is divided into two major parts: the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
• Rift Valley
  • A rift valley is a lowland region that forms where Earth’s tectonic plates move apart.
  • The Narmada River flows through one of the most prominent rift valleys in India.
• Vindhya and Satpura Ranges
  • The Vindhya Range runs parallel to the Narmada River in the north.
  • The Satpura Range runs parallel to the river in the south.
  • Both ranges play a crucial role in dividing the Indian subcontinent into northern and southern parts.
• Significance of the Narmada River
  • The Narmada River is crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation.
  • Major projects on the river include the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Bargi Dam.