Which of the following river / rivers are exhibiting the antecedent drainage pattern in Odisha?

Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: (A) The Mahanadi and the Brahmani

• An antecedent drainage pattern occurs when rivers maintain their original course despite uplift or folding of the land, cutting through rising landforms to create gorges and valleys.
• In Odisha, the Mahanadi and the Brahmani rivers exhibit antecedent drainage patterns

The Mahanadi River

• Flows through the Eastern Ghats cutting across structural trends
• Has carved deep gorges and valleys through uplifted terrain.The most prominent evidence is the famous Satkosia Gorge
• Maintains its eastward course despite encountering highland barriers
• The river predates the uplift of the Eastern Ghats and has cut through them

The Brahmani River

• Also cuts through the Eastern Ghats in its lower course
• Shows characteristics of antecedent drainage where it flows through structural highlands
• Has maintained its original course despite tectonic movements
• These rivers demonstrate superimposed drainage characteristics where they have maintained their pre-existing courses through subsequent geological uplift. The fact that they flow across geological structures rather than following them indicates their antecedent nature.

The Baitarini and Rushikulya, while important rivers of Odisha, are not the primary examples cited for antecedent drainage in the state.