Melghat Tiger Reserve, one of the earliest tiger reserves created under Project Tiger, is located in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
Melghat Tiger Reserve is an important protected area in central India and was among the first reserves to be notified under Project Tiger. Questions that ask candidates to match tiger reserves with their states are very common in environment and geography sections. Knowing where Melghat is located helps build a clearer mental map of India wildlife network.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The protected area is Melghat Tiger Reserve. • It is part of Project Tiger and lies in central India. • We must identify the state where this reserve is situated. • Options include West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Concept / Approach:
Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Satpura hill ranges in the Amravati district of Maharashtra. It forms part of the forested landscape on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh but lies administratively within Maharashtra. The approach is to recall that while Madhya Pradesh has many tiger reserves, Melghat is specifically attached to Maharashtra.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the list of tiger reserves in Maharashtra: Tadoba Andhari, Melghat, Pench (Maharashtra part) and a few others. Step 2: Recognise that Melghat is consistently listed under Maharashtra in official and exam oriented tables. Step 3: Madhya Pradesh has Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench (Madhya Pradesh part), but not Melghat. Step 4: West Bengal is associated with Sunderbans and Buxa, while Rajasthan is linked with Ranthambore and Sariska. Step 5: Gujarat is famous for Gir forest, which is a lion habitat and not classed as Melghat. Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is Maharashtra.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official lists from Indian wildlife authorities classify Melghat Tiger Reserve under Maharashtra. Maps showing tiger reserves in central India place Melghat in the Satpura ranges within Maharashtra territory. Competitive exam notes and static GK compilations reliably associate Melghat with Maharashtra.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
West Bengal: Contains Sunderbans and Buxa, not Melghat. Rajasthan: Known for Ranthambore, Sariska and Mukundra Hills, but Melghat is not in this desert state. Madhya Pradesh: Hosts many tiger reserves, yet Melghat lies just across the border in Maharashtra. Gujarat: Famous for Gir National Park and Asiatic lions, not a tiger reserve named Melghat.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Melghat is in the Satpura region, some students wrongly place it in Madhya Pradesh, mixing up the shared hill system. Others may get confused between various central Indian tiger reserves and pick the state randomly. A simple way to remember is that both Tadoba and Melghat belong to Maharashtra, while Bandhavgarh and Kanha belong to Madhya Pradesh.

Final Answer:
Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Maharashtra.