GS Mains Model Question & Answer : Describe the major characteristics of the rivers of peninsular India? Comment

Q. Describe the major characteristics of the rivers of peninsular India? Comment

Describe the major characteristics of the rivers of peninsular India?

Numerous rivers traversing the Indian Peninsula are older than the Himalayan Rivers and embody the following major characteristics:

The sources of the Peninsular Rivers lie in the plateaus and low hills devoid of snow; therefore, most of the rivers are seasonal.
Most of these rivers can be said to have reached a mature state of development, presenting a senile topography.
These rivers flow through open and graded shallow valleys with low gradients and little erosion.
The Peninsular Rivers are either superimposed or at places rejuvenated (represented by small waterfalls), giving birth to radial, trellis or rectangular drainage patterns.
These rivers mostly have smaller courses and small basins.
These are devoid of meanders because of hard rock and non-alluvial character of the plateau.
The impermeable hard rock limits the groundwater recharge in the aquifers of peninsular rivers.
These rivers are although suitable for power generation in their upper reaches but have limited use in irrigation and navigation.

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