In terms of territorial extent, the largest district of India is Kachchh (Kutch). This district is located in which of the following Indian states?

Introduction / Context:
India is divided into many districts that vary widely in size. The largest district in terms of area is Kachchh, often spelled Kutch, in the western part of the country. Questions about its location test knowledge of political geography and administrative divisions. This item asks in which state this largest district is situated.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The district referred to is the largest by area and is known as Kachchh or Kutch. • Options provide four states: Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat. • We assume the present administrative status of districts and states. • The task is to match the district with its correct state.

Concept / Approach:
Kachchh is a large district in the north western part of Gujarat, bordering Pakistan and the Arabian Sea. It includes the famous Rann of Kutch salt marshes. While Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir also have large districts, the specific name Kachchh or Kutch belongs to Gujarat. Tamil Nadu is in the south of India and does not contain this district. Therefore, we should choose Gujarat as the correct state.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kutch is associated with the Rann of Kutch and salt deserts in western India. Step 2: Remember that tourist and cultural references to Kutch, such as Rann Utsav, are always linked with the state of Gujarat. Step 3: Look at the options and identify Gujarat as the host state for this district. Step 4: Rajasthan has large districts like Jaisalmer but not a district named Kutch. Step 5: Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu also lack any district with this name, confirming that Gujarat is correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Political maps and district wise administrative charts show Kachchh as a district in Gujarat. It is often highlighted as the largest district of India by area. Examination guides that discuss superlatives in Indian geography also explicitly link Kutch district with the state of Gujarat and note its border with Pakistan and the Arabian Sea.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Rajasthan does contain very large districts such as Jaisalmer, but the district named Kachchh or Kutch does not belong to Rajasthan. Option B: Tamil Nadu lies in southern India and has districts like Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore, not Kutch. Option C: Jammu and Kashmir has mountainous districts and border areas but none with the name Kachchh or Kutch, and its largest districts by area are different.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students automatically pick Rajasthan because they associate deserts with that state. While Rajasthan has the Thar Desert, the Rann of Kutch is specifically a feature of Gujarat. Another mistake is confusing the largest state by area with the largest district. Always distinguish between state superlatives and district level superlatives.

Final Answer:
The largest district of India, Kachchh or Kutch, is located in the state of Gujarat.