RAS question
Which of the following rivers of Rajasthan flows into the Arabian Sea?
Correct answer: (D) Mahi.
The Mahi is the Rajasthan river among these options that drains into the Gulf of Khambhat, part of the Arabian Sea.
Explanation
Mahi is the correct choice because its drainage is westward, not towards the Ganga-Yamuna system. It originates in Madhya Pradesh, passes through southern Rajasthan, including Banswara and Dungarpur, and empties into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea. The Central Water Commission's Mahi Basin note describes the Mahi as a major west-flowing inter-state river of India that drains into the Gulf of Khambhat. That combination of origin, Rajasthan course and final outfall separates Mahi from Banas, Chambal and Luni.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Banas is not the answer here because it is a tributary of Chambal, so its route is not a direct Arabian Sea outfall.
- (B) Chambal is wrong because it is a tributary of the Yamuna, which places it in the Bay of Bengal drainage rather than the Arabian Sea side.
- (C) Luni is tempting because it belongs to the Arabian Sea drainage side, but it finally flows into the Rann of Kachchh rather than directly into the Arabian Sea.
Concept
Rajasthan river drainage patterns contrast Arabian Sea drainage with the Yamuna-Ganga system. RAS repeats this because river direction and final outfall are compact ways to test physical geography with map awareness.