Which among the following states leads in the number of handloom and handicrafts clusters in India, making it a major centre of traditional textile and craft production?

Introduction / Context:
This question comes under economic and cultural geography of India and focuses on the distribution of handloom and handicrafts clusters. India has many regions famous for traditional crafts, but some states host a particularly large number of organised clusters of artisans. Knowing which state leads in such clusters is useful for examinations that cover Indian culture, industry and regional development.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is handloom and handicraft clusters in India.
• The options are Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan.
• The question asks which state leads in the number of such clusters.
• We assume standard data and interpretations used in competitive exam sources.

Concept / Approach:
Uttar Pradesh has a very rich tradition of handloom weaving and handicrafts, with famous centres such as Varanasi for silk sarees, Bhadohi for carpets, Moradabad for brassware and many other towns known for woodwork, glass work and textiles. Because of this dense concentration, Uttar Pradesh is often described in exam oriented material as leading in the number of handloom and handicrafts clusters. While other states are very important for specific crafts, Uttar Pradesh stands out in terms of the number and diversity of clusters.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall key states known for traditional crafts, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Step 2: Note that Uttar Pradesh has several famous craft towns such as Varanasi, Bhadohi and Moradabad that are recognised at national and international levels. Step 3: Remember that exam oriented Indian culture and geography sources often state that Uttar Pradesh leads in handloom and handicrafts clusters. Step 4: Compare this with states like West Bengal and Odisha, which are strong in specific crafts but fewer clusters overall according to those compilations. Step 5: Select Uttar Pradesh as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this fact from standard questions and answers used in many competitive exam books and online quizzes. Multiple reputable sources explicitly mention that Uttar Pradesh leads in handloom and handicrafts clusters, referring to the large number of artisan communities and government recognised clusters in the state. Ministry reports and craft promotion documents also describe the dense concentration of such activities in Uttar Pradesh.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Maharashtra is industrially advanced but is better known for modern industry and agriculture rather than being the leading state for traditional handloom and handicrafts clusters. West Bengal has important handloom centres, especially around Kolkata and in some rural areas, but is not usually cited as the national leader in the number of clusters. Odisha is renowned for particular crafts such as Pattachitra paintings and appliqué work but again has fewer clusters overall. Rajasthan has world famous handicrafts related to jewellery, textiles and leather, yet in exam specific data the leading position in terms of cluster count is given to Uttar Pradesh.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to choose Rajasthan or West Bengal because they are widely associated with colourful crafts and textiles. Another pitfall is not distinguishing between fame for specific craft types and the total number of organised clusters. To avoid such confusion, remember the standard exam statement that Uttar Pradesh leads in handloom and handicraft clusters in India due to its many artisan centres spread across the state.

Final Answer:
Uttar Pradesh