Which Indian state is popularly known as the Land of the Setting Sun because it lies at the westernmost end of the country?

Introduction / Context:
Indian states often have popular nicknames based on their geography, culture, or natural features. Such nicknames are frequently used in examinations to test simple but important associations. This question asks about the state known as the Land of the Setting Sun, which refers to its position at the extreme western side of India, where the Sun appears to set over the horizon of the Arabian Sea and desert landscapes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The phrase "Land of the Setting Sun" suggests a western location.

- Options include several states from different parts of India: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Goa.

- It is assumed that you know India's east west orientation and approximate positions of these states.

- No calculation is required; the answer depends on geographic recall and common nicknames.

Concept / Approach:
Arunachal Pradesh is known as the Land of the Rising Sun in India because it is located far in the east and sees sunrise earlier than most other states. By contrast, Gujarat lies at the western end of mainland India near the Arabian Sea. This westernmost position makes it associated with sunsets and the poetic nickname Land of the Setting Sun. The correct approach is to connect the idea of sunset and the western horizon with Gujarat, not with any of the other options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the map of India and identify which states lie in the far east and which lie in the far west. Step 2: Recognise that Arunachal Pradesh is on the extreme eastern side, famous as the first to see the sunrise, so it does not match the setting Sun description. Step 3: Note that Gujarat is on the western coast of India, including the Kutch region, which is one of the westernmost points of the country. Step 4: Consider Rajasthan and Goa, which are also western but not as extreme in longitude as some parts of Gujarat, especially Kutch. Step 5: Realise that Kerala is on the southwestern coast and is not typically associated with this particular nickname. Step 6: Based on this, select Gujarat as the state popularly known as the Land of the Setting Sun.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Geography notes and general knowledge books often pair nicknames with states. For example, Arunachal Pradesh is called the Land of the Rising Sun or Land of the Dawnlit Mountains, whereas Gujarat is mentioned in relation to the setting Sun due to its western location. Popular tourism images also show sunsets over the Arabian Sea and the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, reinforcing the connection between Gujarat and the setting Sun. This confirms that Gujarat is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rajasthan is located slightly east of Gujarat and, while western, is not commonly given the formal nickname Land of the Setting Sun. Arunachal Pradesh is instead known for early sunrise and is often called the Land of the Rising Sun. Kerala is famous as God's Own Country and for backwaters and lush greenery, not for this specific sunset related nickname. Goa is known for beaches and tourism but does not carry the national level nickname Land of the Setting Sun in standard exam material.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse nicknames that involve sun imagery. They may impulsively pick Arunachal Pradesh because they recall a sun related nickname but forget whether it is rising or setting. Another mistake is to choose Rajasthan because of its desert landscapes without considering longitude and the fact that Kutch in Gujarat lies even farther west. Carefully linking each nickname with whether the state is on the eastern or western edge of India helps avoid these errors.

Final Answer:
The state popularly known as the Land of the Setting Sun in India is Gujarat.