In the context of Indian industrial geography, the first sponge iron plant in India was established at which of the following places?

Introduction / Context:
Sponge iron, also known as direct reduced iron, is an important raw material for steel making, especially in electric arc and induction furnaces. India set up its first sponge iron plant in a specific location that has since become a standard example in industrial geography questions. Identifying this place helps students connect technological milestones with regional industrial development and energy resources.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The focus is on the first sponge iron plant in India. - The options list Kothagudam, Kurnool, Kadapa and Kavaratti. - These locations span inland districts and a coastal island. - Only one of these is traditionally cited as the site of the first sponge iron plant.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is industrial location related to iron and steel. Sponge iron plants are often established near sources of iron ore and coal or natural gas. Kothagudam, historically in Andhra Pradesh and now in Telangana, is known in exam oriented literature as the site of India s first sponge iron plant. Kurnool and Kadapa are important towns but are not usually highlighted for this specific industrial first, while Kavaratti is an island in Lakshadweep and not associated with heavy industry.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be achieved by checking older industrial geography notes and multiple choice question compilations, which routinely pair Kothagudam with the first sponge iron plant in India. Government and industry documents describe later sponge iron capacity added in other states, but the historical reference in exams generally points back to Kothagudam as the pioneering location. This persistent association supports the selected answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kurnool and Kadapa are important towns in Andhra Pradesh but do not appear as classic examples of the first sponge iron plant in major exam material. Kavaratti is part of the Lakshadweep islands and is not a site for heavy iron and steel industry due to its remoteness and small land area. None of the above is incorrect because Kothagudam corresponds to the widely accepted location used in general studies questions.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different industrial firsts and may wrongly associate Kurnool or Kadapa due to familiarity with those town names. Another pitfall is paying attention only to modern state boundaries and forgetting that many early plants were established when state names were different from today. Carefully reading context in textbooks, including historical state names, helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
The first sponge iron plant in India was established at Kothagudam in present day Telangana.