Explanation:
The river known as the 'Old Ganga' or 'Vridha Ganga' (also spelled Vriddha Ganga) is the Godavari River. This name reflects its status as one of India's most ancient and significant rivers, particularly in peninsular (southern) India. The Godavari is the second-longest river in the country (after the Ganges) and the longest in the Deccan region, often compared to the Ganges for its cultural, religious, and geographical importance. It is also commonly called Dakshin Ganga (Ganga of the South). Vridha Ganga translates to "Old/Elder Ganga," emphasizing its antiquity and vast scale among southern rivers. It originates near Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra and flows eastward through states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.