The largest and oldest museum of India is located in which state or union territory?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about Indian museums and cultural institutions. The largest and oldest museum in India is the Indian Museum in Kolkata, which was established in 1814. It houses extensive collections of art, archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. Knowing in which state or union territory this institution is located is a common point of general knowledge, especially in questions related to culture and tourism.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked about the largest and oldest museum of India.
• This refers to the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
• Options include New Delhi (National Capital Territory), West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and None of the above.
• We assume the question wants the state or union territory where this museum is situated.

Concept / Approach:
The Indian Museum is located in Kolkata, which is the capital city of the state of West Bengal. It is older than the National Museum in New Delhi and other major museums in the country. Therefore, of the given options, West Bengal is the correct one. The other states and territories have important museums, but not the specific oldest and largest museum referred to here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the phrase largest and oldest museum of India points to the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Step 2: Recall that Kolkata is situated in the state of West Bengal. Step 3: Check each option. New Delhi refers to the National Capital Territory, which hosts the National Museum, but that museum is younger than the Indian Museum. Step 4: Confirm that neither Uttar Pradesh nor Andhra Pradesh is home to the Indian Museum. Step 5: Conclude that West Bengal is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to think about the chronology of Indian museums. The Indian Museum in Kolkata was founded in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, whereas the National Museum in New Delhi opened to the public only in the mid twentieth century. Tourism and GK sources repeatedly emphasise that the Indian Museum in West Bengal is both the oldest and one of the largest museums in India, which confirms that West Bengal is the right state to choose.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
New Delhi (National Capital Territory): Contains the National Museum, but this is not the oldest museum in India. Uttar Pradesh: Has several museums and historical sites, but not the Indian Museum. Andhra Pradesh: Also has museums, but none recognised as the oldest and largest in the country. None of the above: Incorrect because West Bengal is clearly the correct location.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the National Museum in New Delhi with the Indian Museum in Kolkata, assuming that the national capital must host the oldest and largest museum. This confusion can lead them to choose New Delhi instead of West Bengal. To avoid this mistake, it is important to remember that historical institutions from the colonial period were often founded first in cities like Kolkata, which served as the capital of British India before Delhi.

Final Answer:
The largest and oldest museum of India, the Indian Museum, is located in West Bengal.