Maithili, one of the recognised Indian languages, is primarily spoken by people in which Indian state listed below?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks knowledge of regional languages and their geographical distribution within India. Maithili is one of the languages recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Examinations often ask where particular languages are primarily spoken to test candidates on cultural and linguistic diversity across Indian states.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The language in question is Maithili.
• The question asks in which state it is primarily spoken.
• Options include Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Gujarat.
• We assume basic awareness of where Maithili speaking communities are concentrated.

Concept / Approach:
Maithili is predominantly spoken in the Mithila region, which largely falls within the state of Bihar and partly in adjoining areas of Nepal. It has a rich literary tradition and is recognised as a distinct language in the Constitution of India. Therefore, among the given options, Bihar is the state most closely associated with Maithili as a primary language of a significant population.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Maithili is associated with the historical region of Mithila in north India. Step 2: Remember that Mithila mainly corresponds to districts in the northern part of present day Bihar. Step 3: Review the options Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Gujarat. Step 4: Identify Bihar as the state that contains the core Maithili speaking area. Step 5: Select Bihar as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official language lists, cultural references, and census based language data indicate that Maithili is most widely spoken in Bihar. Although Maithili speakers also live in nearby regions and across the border in Nepal, the Indian state most strongly connected with Maithili remains Bihar. Government notifications regarding classical language status or language promotion schemes often refer specifically to Maithili of Bihar, confirming the association.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Assam: Assam has its own Assamese language and several tribal languages, but Maithili is not a major regional language there.
West Bengal: Bengali is the dominant language of West Bengal, and although migrants may speak other languages, Maithili is not considered a primary state language.
Meghalaya: This north eastern state has languages like Khasi and Garo, not Maithili, as primary tongues.
Gujarat: Gujarati is the main language here, so Maithili is not primarily spoken in this state.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse Maithili with other eastern languages like Bengali or Assamese because of geographical proximity. Another pitfall is to think that any Indo Aryan language from the east could belong to West Bengal by default. To avoid confusion, it helps to remember the trio of Bihar associated languages, such as Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Maithili, which are all linked to that region.

Final Answer:
Maithili is primarily spoken in the Indian state of Bihar.