In the present study, the temporal patterns of monsoon floods on five large rivers of the Deccan Peninsula have been investigated. Analyses of the long-term annual maximum discharge/state data, available for the last 100 years or so, show non-random behaviour in terms of distinct periods of high and low floods. Examination of the data reveals lower frequency and magnitude of large floods during the late 1960s. The results of the investigation also indicate that the high (low) flood response is consistent with increased (decreased) precipitation in the basins. There is a clear evidence of an enhancement in the magnitude and frequency of large floods in the post 1940 period.