In Indian physical geography, the only currently active volcano of India lies in which State or Union Territory?

Introduction / Context:
Volcanoes are not common in India, so the presence of even a single active volcanic site becomes highly significant in physical geography. The only currently active volcano within Indian territory is located on a small island in the Andaman and Nicobar group. This question checks whether students can correctly connect that knowledge with the appropriate State or Union Territory on the political map of India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The question refers to the only active volcano of India. - This volcano is on Barren Island in the Andaman Sea. - The options include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Haryana and Maharashtra. - Only one of these is the correct administrative unit for Barren Island.

Concept / Approach:
The concept involves the relationship between plate tectonics and island arcs as well as basic location knowledge. Barren Island is part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, which is administered as a Union Territory of India. It contains the only confirmed active volcano in Indian territory. Mainland states such as Gujarat, Haryana and Maharashtra may have interesting geological features but do not contain active volcanoes. The approach is to recall from physical geography and environment lessons that Barren Island belongs to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done using maps of the Indian Ocean region showing tectonic activity. Barren Island is clearly marked as part of the Andaman and Nicobar group. Textbooks on Indian geography and environment repeatedly refer to Barren Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as the only active volcano in Indian territory. This repeated association across different sources confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Gujarat has coastal and desert landscapes and some geological features but no active volcano. Haryana is a landlocked state in northern India without any volcanic activity. Maharashtra has the Deccan plateau and some extinct volcanic features related to Deccan Traps, but no currently active volcanoes. None of the above is incorrect because the active volcano is definitely in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse extinct volcanic plateaus such as the Deccan Traps in Maharashtra with active volcanoes. Another mistake is forgetting that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of India and instead thinking only about the mainland. Regular revision of Indian island groups and their unique features helps to avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
The only currently active volcano of India, located on Barren Island, lies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory.