Which Indian coastal city is popularly known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" because of its historic maritime trade?

Introduction / Context:
Indian cities often receive nicknames based on their geography, history or economic importance. The phrase Queen of the Arabian Sea is one such poetic nickname that refers to a coastal city known for its historic role in maritime trade and cultural exchange along the Arabian Sea. This question tests whether the learner can correctly associate this nickname with the right city.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The nickname mentioned is Queen of the Arabian Sea.

• The options list several port cities on the Indian coast.

• The learner must choose the city traditionally linked with this title.

• We assume basic awareness of Indian coastal geography and city nicknames.

Concept / Approach:
Kochi, in the state of Kerala, is historically known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It was a major spice trading centre and a meeting point for traders from Europe, Arabia and other parts of Asia. The correct approach is to recall this long standing association and distinguish it from other ports that do not carry this particular poetic label.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase Queen of the Arabian Sea and note that it refers to a coastal city. Step 2: Recall that Kochi in Kerala has been a major Arabian Sea port and spice trading hub for centuries. Step 3: Compare this with the options Vizag, Kakinada, Mumbai, Kochi and Mangalore. Step 4: Recognise that while Mumbai and Mangalore are important ports, they are not widely known by this specific nickname. Step 5: Conclude that Kochi is the city correctly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard Indian geography and general knowledge books list Kochi as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Tourism websites, state promotional materials and historical references also repeat this nickname. Confirming with such sources ensures that there is no confusion with other coastal cities, even though they may be economically or historically significant in their own ways.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vizag, or Visakhapatnam, is a major port on the eastern coast facing the Bay of Bengal, not the Arabian Sea. Kakinada is another east coast port. Mumbai is a major Arabian Sea port but is known more by other labels related to finance and entertainment rather than this exact phrase. Mangalore is also on the Arabian Sea but does not carry the formal nickname Queen of the Arabian Sea in standard general knowledge references. Therefore, none of these options are correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes choose Mumbai because it is among the most famous coastal cities in India, ignoring the specific nickname in the question. Another pitfall is to misread Arabian Sea and think only of any western coastal port without recalling the historical trading prominence of Kochi. By memorising key city nicknames, including this one, candidates can quickly answer such questions accurately.

Final Answer:
The city popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea is Kochi.