In the context of India energy sector, which of the following is the most important raw material for large scale generation of electric power?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to Indian economic geography and energy resources. It asks which raw material is most important for generating electric power in India. Knowing the primary fuel used for power plants helps you understand energy policy, resource distribution, and environmental impacts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on large scale generation of electric power in India, not on small local systems.
• Options include mineral oil, natural gas, uranium, and coal.
• Typical fuel mixes in Indian power generation are assumed from standard geography textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
India relies heavily on thermal power plants, which burn fossil fuels to produce electricity. Among these fuels, coal is by far the most widely used in India due to its domestic availability and established infrastructure. Many large power stations are coal fired and are located near coalfields or transportation routes. Mineral oil (petroleum) and natural gas also contribute to power generation but to a much smaller share compared with coal. Uranium fuels nuclear power plants, which provide only a limited portion of total electricity. Therefore, when the question asks for the most important raw material for power generation, the answer is coal.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Indian geography and economics textbooks present charts showing the share of coal based thermal power in total installed capacity. These charts consistently show coal as the leading fuel, with hydroelectric, renewable, gas, and nuclear power contributing smaller portions. Government reports on the power sector also highlight coal as the backbone of the electricity system, despite efforts to increase renewables. This confirms that coal is the correct choice in the context of exam style questions about primary power generation fuels in India.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Mineral oil used primarily as petroleum fuel is incorrect because oil based power plants are relatively few and oil is more valuable in transport and industry than in power generation.

Natural gas used in some power plants only is wrong because, although gas fired plants exist, their total contribution is smaller than that of coal fired thermal stations.

Uranium used in a limited number of nuclear power stations is incorrect because nuclear power provides only a small fraction of India total electricity output compared with coal.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes select uranium or natural gas because they associate them with modern or advanced technologies, forgetting that exam questions often reflect the current overall fuel mix, where coal still dominates. Another mistake is to assume that because oil is valuable, it must be the main fuel for everything, including power generation. Remember to link coal specifically to thermal power plants and to India large domestic coal reserves, which explain its importance.

Final Answer:
The most important raw material for large scale power generation in India is Coal used widely in thermal power plants across the country.