Konkani serves as the official language of which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the link between languages and states in India. Every state has its own official language or languages, which often reflect local culture and history. Konkani is one such language, and it has a special constitutional status. Identifying the state where Konkani is the official language is a straightforward yet important general knowledge fact.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The language mentioned is Konkani.
• We are asked to identify the Indian state where it is the official language.
• The options are West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Goa.
• We assume basic familiarity with the language map of India.

Concept / Approach:
Konkani is closely associated with the western coastal state of Goa and some neighbouring regions. It is written in multiple scripts and is recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Goa uses Konkani as its official language for administration. West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim have their own different official languages such as Bengali in West Bengal and combinations of regional languages in the northeastern states. Therefore, the correct approach is to connect Konkani with Goa.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Konkani is a coastal language spoken mainly along the Konkan coast of western India. Step 2: Recognise that Goa is the most prominent state where Konkani is the primary official language. Step 3: Compare the options and identify Goa among them. Step 4: Note that West Bengal official language is Bengali and does not use Konkani as the main official language. Step 5: Observe that Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim have different local languages and are not known for Konkani as their official language.

Verification / Alternative check:
Language maps of India and state profile descriptions indicate that Konkani is the official language of Goa. The Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act historically recognised Konkani in Devanagari script as the official language of Goa. No equivalent statute in West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, or Sikkim identifies Konkani as the primary official language; instead they refer to other regional languages. This confirms that Goa is the correct state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
West Bengal: The main official language is Bengali, not Konkani.
Arunachal Pradesh: This northeastern state has a diverse set of local languages and uses English and regional tongues, but Konkani is not its official state language.
Sikkim: The official languages include Nepali and others, but not Konkani.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may know that Konkani is also spoken in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra and may become uncertain about the exact state asked in the question. However, the term official language refers to the constitutionally or legally declared language of a particular state, which in this case is Goa for Konkani. Focusing on that legal status helps avoid confusion.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is Goa, because Konkani is the official language of the state of Goa.