Overview of the Kaveri River Basin
The Kaveri River, known as one of the major rivers in South India, has a significant drainage basin that extends across three states: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Geographical Coverage
- The Kaveri River originates from the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
- It flows through the following states:
- **Karnataka**: The river flows through the Kodagu district and parts of Mysuru.
- **Kerala**: A small portion of its basin covers the western part of this state.
- **Tamil Nadu**: The river traverses through several districts and is crucial for agriculture and irrigation.

Importance of the Kaveri River
- **Irrigation**: The Kaveri is vital for the irrigation of the fertile plains of Tamil Nadu, especially in the delta region.
- **Cultural Significance**: The river holds immense cultural and religious importance, with several temples and festivals associated with it.
- **Hydroelectric Power**: Dams built on the Kaveri contribute to hydroelectric power generation, supporting the energy needs of the region.

Comparison with Other Rivers
- Unlike the Godavari and Krishna rivers, which primarily flow through other states and do not cover the same geographic area, the Kaveri uniquely unites parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in its basin.
- The Musi River, on the other hand, is predominantly located in Telangana, making it irrelevant to this specific question.
In summary, the Kaveri River's drainage basin extends across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, making it a key geographical feature in South India.

Answer:
The drainage basin of the Kaveri river covers parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Here is a detailed explanation:
Kaveri River
- The Kaveri river, also known as the Cauvery river, is one of the major rivers in India.
- It originates from the Talakaveri in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
- The river flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
- The total length of the Kaveri river is approximately 800 kilometers.
Drainage Basin
- A drainage basin is an area of land where all the water that falls in it drains into a particular river system.
- It includes all the tributaries, streams, and rivers that contribute to the main river.
- The Kaveri river has a large drainage basin that covers parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- In Karnataka, the river basin covers regions such as Coorg, Mysore, and Mandya.
- In Kerala, the river basin covers parts of Wayanad and Palakkad districts.
- In Tamil Nadu, the river basin covers regions such as Erode, Tiruchirappalli, and Thanjavur.
Other Options
- The Godavari river, option A, has its drainage basin in the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
- The Krishna river, option B, has its drainage basin in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
- The Musi river, option D, has its drainage basin in the state of Telangana.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: Kaveri.