Which national park, originally known as Hailey National Park, was the first national park to be established in India?

Introduction / Context:
India has a long history of wildlife conservation, and national parks are at the core of its protected area network. The first national park marks the beginning of a formal conservation era in the country. This question checks knowledge of that milestone and also links it with an older name, Hailey National Park, often mentioned in history of conservation.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The park in question was originally called Hailey National Park. • It is recognised as the first national park established in India. • Options include Kanha, Keoladeo, Jim Corbett, Jaldapara and Gir. • Standard Indian geography and environment textbooks are the reference point.

Concept / Approach:
The core concept is historical: which area was notified first as a national park. Hailey National Park was created in 1936 in the foothills of the Himalayas in present day Uttarakhand. After independence its name was changed first to Ramganga National Park and then to Jim Corbett National Park in honour of the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is very frequently mentioned as the oldest and first national park in India. Step 2: Remember its earlier name, Hailey National Park, given during the British period. Step 3: Check the list of options and identify which of them corresponds to the present name of Hailey National Park. Step 4: Kanha, Keoladeo, Jaldapara and Gir were notified later and are famous for different species such as barasingha, birds, rhinos and lions, not specifically linked to the name Hailey. Step 5: Therefore the correct match is Jim Corbett National Park.

Verification / Alternative check:
Conservation history chapters in environment textbooks clearly state that Hailey National Park, established in 1936, was the first national park in India. They further explain that the park was later renamed Jim Corbett National Park, giving a direct historical connection. Protected area lists from the Ministry of Environment also confirm the early date of establishment for Corbett compared to other parks.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kanha National Park: Located in Madhya Pradesh and known for barasingha, but it was created later and was never called Hailey. Keoladeo National Park: A famous bird sanctuary in Rajasthan, earlier known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary, not Hailey. Jaldapara National Park: Located in West Bengal and known for rhinoceros habitat, created much later. Gir National Park: Located in Gujarat and known for Asiatic lions, not the first national park in India.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the first national park with the first tiger reserve under Project Tiger, which also includes Corbett, but in a different context. Others may wrongly think of very famous sites such as Gir or Kanha as the oldest simply because they are widely discussed. Remembering the sequence Hailey to Ramganga to Jim Corbett helps solidify the correct answer.

Final Answer:
The first national park established in India, originally known as Hailey National Park, is Jim Corbett National Park.