Among the following rivers, which one is the longest ?

Among the rivers listed, the Godavari is the longest. It is the largest Peninsular river system, often referred to as the 'Dakshin Ganga' [4]. Originating from the Trimbak Plateau near Nasik in Maharashtra, it flows for approximately 1,465 km before emptying into the Bay of Bengal [3]. In comparison, the Krishna river is the second-longest east-flowing peninsular river with a length of about 1,400 km to 1,401 km [3]. The Narmada, a major west-flowing river originating from Amarkantak, has a length of approximately 1,310 km to 1,312 km [3]. The Mahanadi, which rises in the Dandakaranya plateau near Raipur, is the shortest among the four, with a length of roughly 851 km to 858 km [3]. Therefore, the Godavari holds the record for the greatest length among the given options.

Sources

1. [4] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > River Systems of the Peninsular Drainage > p. 23
2. [3] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > River Systems of the Peninsular Drainage > p. 24
3. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Table 3.4 > p. 20