Step 1: Recall the states of India and their relative sizes.
India is divided into states and union territories.
The area of these states varies significantly.
Step 2: Identify the largest state by geographical area.
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area.
Its area is approximately 342,239 square kilometers.
Step 3: Consider the other options in terms of area.
- (2) Andhra Pradesh: After the bifurcation (creation of Telangana in 2014), its area decreased.
It is now the 7th largest state by area (approx.
162,970 sq km).
- (3) Madhya Pradesh: It is the second largest state in India by area (approx.
308,252 sq km).
It was the largest before the creation of Chhattisgarh in 2000.
- (4) Maharashtra: It is the third largest state in India by area (approx.
307,713 sq km).
Step 4: Confirm the largest state.
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area.
This matches option (1).