Which of the following hydroelectric power projects is generally regarded as the first large hydel power project established in India?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines your understanding of the early history of hydroelectric power development in India. Knowing which project was the first large hydel power installation helps you understand the timeline of industrial and infrastructure growth in the country and is a common point in geography and general science sections of exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the first major hydel power project in India.
• Options include projects in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and the Bhakra Nangal project in the north.
• The question does not ask for current capacity but specifically for the earliest project.
• We assume the conventional historical account used in standard Indian geography references.

Concept / Approach:
Hydroelectric power generation in India began in the early twentieth century. Shivanasamudra, on the river Kaveri in Karnataka, is widely recognised as one of the first large hydroelectric power stations in India. It started operations in the early 1900s to supply power to nearby industrial and urban areas. Other projects such as Pykara, Pallivasal and Bhakra Nangal are significant but came later in the timeline.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the historical fact that Shivanasamudra is often cited as the earliest major hydel project in India. Step 2: Place the project in its context on the Kaveri river in Karnataka, with early twentieth century commissioning. Step 3: Compare the commissioning dates of other projects, noting that Pykara and Pallivasal were developed later and Bhakra Nangal was a post independence multi purpose project. Step 4: Eliminate newer projects that cannot qualify as the first hydel installation. Step 5: Choose Shivanasamudra project in Karnataka as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be carried out by reviewing the history of electric power in India in a standard geography or general science book. These sources usually highlight Shivanasamudra as the earliest large hydroelectric power station, often mentioning its year of commissioning and its role in supplying power to nearby regions such as the Kolar Gold Fields or Mysuru. Government and educational websites that describe the evolution of the power sector also support this conclusion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pykara project in Tamil Nadu is a significant hydel scheme but was developed later than Shivanasamudra. Nizamsagar in Telangana is associated more with irrigation and water storage, not with being the earliest hydel project. Pallivasal project in Kerala is an important hydel station in the state but does not predate Shivanasamudra in the national timeline. Bhakra Nangal is a very large and famous multi purpose dam and power project, yet it was commissioned after independence and therefore cannot be considered the first hydel project in India.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often choose Bhakra Nangal simply because it is one of the most famous hydel projects, ignoring the fact that the question is about the first project chronologically. Another mistake is to focus on state level first projects rather than the national first project. To avoid confusion, remember that Shivanasamudra, situated on the Kaveri river in Karnataka, is generally regarded as the earliest large hydroelectric power station in India.

Final Answer:
Shivanasamudra project in Karnataka