Data on the attitude of 4100 cross-bedding readings in the Barakar (Lower Permian) sandstones recorded from twenty-two Gondwana coalfields of peninsular India are summarized. The azimuths of the cross-bedding readings show a regional uniformity. The total cross-bedding variance in the typical Barakar sandstones, herein called the lower unit, is uniformly moderate to low commonly ranging between 1500 and 3000. In some coalfields (Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro, Singrauli) where sandstones of the lower unit are overlain by an upper thick unit of interbedded fine clastics, the total cross-bedding variance exceeds 3000 and is as high as 5500 in one coalfield (Jharia). Based on lithologic and sedimentary characters and total variance of cross-bedding azimuths, it is proposed that the Barakar strata were deposited largely by streams of low channel sinuosity and partly, especially the upper unit wherever developed, by streams of high channel sinuosity (meandering). A regional synthesis of cross-bedding data reveals that at least three major rivers, all draining from southeast to northwest, and their tributaries formed the dominant dispersal system in the Shield area during the deposition of Barakar strata. Of the three Barakar basins, corresponding to each major river, the Damodar Valley basin of eastern India was perhaps remarkably broad, extending far and wide beyond the existing limits of Barakar outliers. A prominent watershed for the major Barakar rivers existed all along and possibly beyond the present eastern coast of India. The study does not support the earlier paleogeographic reconstructions entirely as well as the concept that Gondwana sediments were deposited in “rift” valleys. It proposes some important paleogeographic modifications, and also explains the possible extension and outlet of Barakar drainage.