Through how many Indian states does the Tropic of Cancer pass as it crosses the country from west to east?

Introduction / Context:
The Tropic of Cancer is an important reference latitude that passes through the middle of India and is often highlighted in school atlases. Examinations frequently ask how many states are crossed by this latitude. This question therefore checks your familiarity with both state boundaries and the path of the Tropic of Cancer.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question specifically refers to the Tropic of Cancer, not any other parallel or meridian.
• Four numerical options are provided 7, 5, 8 and 10 states.
• We assume the present set of states where the Tropic of Cancer passes through a definite list that can be counted.
• The standard list in school geography includes Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram.

Concept / Approach:
The core idea is that the Tropic of Cancer at about 23 and a half degrees north latitude cuts across several states in a west to east sweep. Counting these states correctly requires a clear mental map or reference list. The accepted number in exam oriented materials is eight states, based on the usual enumeration from Gujarat in the west to Mizoram in the east.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Starting from the western side, note that the Tropic of Cancer enters India through Gujarat.Step 2: Moving eastward, it passes through Rajasthan and then Madhya Pradesh.Step 3: Further east, it crosses Chhattisgarh, then Jharkhand and West Bengal.Step 4: Finally, in the north east, it passes through Tripura and Mizoram, bringing the total number of states to eight.

Verification / Alternative check:
A good way to verify this is to open a physical map that draws the Tropic of Cancer across India and to trace it with your finger, ticking each state it crosses. Many exam preparation books print a special map highlighting these eight states. When you match these lists, you consistently get the same count, confirming that eight is the correct number.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Five states is too low and would mean leaving out several states that clearly lie on the path of the Tropic of Cancer, such as Jharkhand or Tripura. Seven states is close but still one short of the correct total and can trap students who forget one of the north eastern states. Ten states is too high given the limited latitudinal span of India and the actual route of the Tropic of Cancer, so it overestimates the crossing.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mix up states with union territories or mistakenly count states that lie near but not exactly on the Tropic of Cancer. Others may forget that both Tripura and Mizoram are included at the eastern end, leading them to settle on seven instead of eight. Writing down the full list multiple times while revising can make the correct count much easier to remember.

Final Answer:
The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 states of India as it crosses the country from west to east.