Which major rivers shape the Deccan plateau in Maharashtra?

The Deccan plateau in Maharashtra is primarily shaped by the eastward-flowing river systems that originate in the Western Ghats. The major rivers that sculpt the plateau's landscape through their wide, mature valleys are:

• Godavari River: Rising in northwestern Maharashtra, it traverses the central part of the state and serves as a primary drainage system for the region.12
• Krishna River: Originating near Mahabaleshwar, this river flows eastward across the southern portion of the plateau.32
• Bhima River: A major tributary of the Krishna, the Bhima rises in the Bhimashankar heights and flows southeastward through a well-entrenched valley that is integral to the plateau's geography.42

These rivers and their tributaries have carved the terrain of the Deccan lava plateau, creating the characteristic landscape of the region.2