Concept:
Rivers are among the most important geographical features of India. The origin of a river often determines its direction of flow, drainage pattern, and economic significance. The Amarkantak Plateau of Madhya Pradesh is one of the most important river-origin regions in India and is often referred to as a major watershed zone.
Step 1: Understanding the Amarkantak Plateau.
The Amarkantak Plateau is situated in eastern Madhya Pradesh.
It is a meeting point of:
• Vindhya Range
• Satpura Range
• Maikal Hills
Due to its elevated position, it acts as an important water divide from which several rivers originate.
Step 2: Studying the Narmada River.
The Narmada River originates from:
\[
\boxed{\text{Amarkantak Plateau}}
\]
Important facts about the Narmada:
• Length is approximately 1312 km.
• It is the largest west-flowing river of Peninsular India.
• It flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
• It empties into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat.
• It flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
Therefore, Narmada is the correct answer.
Step 3: Analyzing the Godavari River.
The Godavari River originates at:
\[
\boxed{\text{Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra}}
\]
located in the Western Ghats.
It is the longest river of Peninsular India.
Hence, Option (A) is incorrect.
Step 4: Analyzing the Krishna River.
The Krishna River originates near:
\[
\boxed{\text{Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra}}
\]
in the Western Ghats.
It flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
Hence, Option (B) is incorrect.
Step 5: Analyzing the Tapi River.
The Tapi River originates near:
\[
\boxed{\text{Multai, Madhya Pradesh}}
\]
Although it is a west-flowing river like the Narmada, it does not originate from the Amarkantak Plateau.
Hence, Option (D) is incorrect.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Among the given rivers, the river that originates from the Amarkantak Plateau is:
\[
\boxed{\text{Narmada River}}
\]
Therefore, the correct answer is:
\[
\boxed{\text{(C) Narmada}}
\]