Which one of the following state and demographic feature pairs is correctly matched in the context of India?

Introduction / Context:
Indian demographic statistics are frequently tested in competitive examinations, especially when they relate to population density, sex ratio, and the share of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Many questions present state and indicator pairs, asking the candidate to identify which pair is correctly matched. This question focuses on such pairs in the context of the 2001 Census and tests whether the learner can remember which demographic superlatives belong to which states.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options list several Indian states paired with various demographic distinctions such as highest population density, highest sex ratio, highest percentage of Scheduled Castes, and highest percentage of Scheduled Tribes.
• The time frame implied by conventional exam material is largely based on the 2001 Census for such questions.
• We assume that the answer key is anchored to the commonly taught facts from that Census period.
• The task is to find the pair that correctly reflects the demographic distinction of the state during that reference period.

Concept / Approach:
According to data widely used in exam guides for the 2001 Census, West Bengal was recognised as the state with one of the highest population densities among major Indian states. Other states in the options are paired with distinctions that are actually associated with different states. For example, the highest sex ratio at that time was linked with Kerala, not Himachal Pradesh. The highest percentage of Scheduled Castes is associated with another state, and the highest percentage of Scheduled Tribes is usually linked to states such as Mizoram or other north eastern states rather than Nagaland. Therefore, the only correctly matched pair among the options is the one that pairs West Bengal with highest density of population.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that population density refers to the number of persons per square kilometre.Step 2: Remember that in the 2001 Census West Bengal was commonly cited as having one of the highest population densities among major Indian states, which exam books summarised as highest density of population for such questions.Step 3: Consider the other pairs. Himachal Pradesh is a hilly state with relatively low population density and does not lead in sex ratio; Kerala is better known for a very high sex ratio.Step 4: Uttar Pradesh has a very large absolute population but not the highest percentage of Scheduled Castes in its population; that distinction is associated with other states.Step 5: Nagaland has a significant Scheduled Tribes population, but the highest percentage among states is usually attributed to another north eastern state, so this pair is not strictly correct.Step 6: Conclude that the only fully correct pair is West Bengal with highest density of population among major states in that period.

Verification / Alternative check:
Demography chapters in Indian geography books state that West Bengal had a very high population density in 2001, exceeding many other states and often listed in exam tables as the state with the highest density among major states. At the same time, the leading sex ratio is attributed to Kerala, and the states with the highest percentage of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes are different from those mentioned in the incorrect options. This comparison with standard data confirms that the West Bengal and density pair is the one correctly matched entry.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Himachal Pradesh does not have the highest sex ratio; Kerala is better known for that distinction. Uttar Pradesh has a large absolute Scheduled Caste population but not the highest percentage share in its population. Nagaland does have many Scheduled Tribes, but the highest percentage among states is generally noted for another north eastern state, not Nagaland itself. The statement about Punjab and lowest urbanisation is also not accurate because other states and union territories have lower urbanisation levels. Therefore, options b, c, d, and e are not correctly matched pairs.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse absolute numbers with percentage values. For example, a state with a large number of Scheduled Caste persons may not have the highest percentage of Scheduled Castes in its population. There is also a tendency to guess on the basis of incomplete memory, especially with many similar sounding superlatives. To avoid such errors, it is important to memorise key demographic facts in an organised way, such as tables of states with highest density, highest literacy, and special caste and tribe statistics.

Final Answer:
West Bengal paired with highest density of population is the correctly matched state and demographic feature in this question.