There are numerous rivers traversing the Indian Peninsula, the more important ones being the Damodar, Subarnarekha, Brahmani, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Penner, Kaveri and Tambraparni, which flow into the Bay of Bengal and form delta. Rivers which descend westwards from the Western Ghats are generally young and small. Narmada and Tapi are exceptions to this statement which flow in rift valleys.
TheBanas, Luni, Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, southern Tons, Ken and Son are rivers of the northern Peninsula belonging to the Ganga system while there are also a few others rising in Central India and the Aravallis and flowing into the Rann of Kachchh or the Gulf of Cambay.
Most of the Peninsular Rivers can be said to have reached a mature state of development, particularly in the lower portions of their valleys. These are characterised by broad and shallow valleys with low gradients presenting almost graded profiles; their superimposed and at places resurrected and rejuvenated character is represented by waterfalls in a mature to senile topography signifying the impact of the Tertiary organic movements in the Peninsula.
The Peninsular Rivers are devoid of meanders and have almost fixed courses. Due to lack of snowcapped sources they either carry small quantity of water or become dry during dry summer season.