Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Bihar
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Geographical Indication or GI tags are used to recognise products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation linked to that place. In India, many agricultural products, handicrafts and food items have received GI recognition. Shahi litchi is one such fruit that has become famous in examinations as a case where a regional variety received a GI tag. Knowing which state is associated with Shahi litchi helps students link agricultural specialties with their geographic origins.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
GI tags link a product to a region whose climate, soil, traditional practices or cultural association give the product a unique identity. Shahi litchi is closely associated with certain districts of Bihar, especially Muzaffarpur, which is famous across India for its sweet and juicy litchis. When a GI tag is mentioned for Shahi litchi, it is therefore natural to link it to Bihar. The approach is to recall which state is historically known for this fruit rather than guessing based on recent news about other crops.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by looking up lists of GI tagged products in India, where Shahi litchi is clearly associated with districts in Bihar. Agricultural reports and newspaper articles about the GI award also emphasise the role of Muzaffarpur farmers and exporters. Tourism and promotional materials from Bihar highlight Shahi litchi as a flagship horticultural product, which confirms the correct link between the fruit and the state.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Telangana has important crops such as cotton and chilli but is not known as the home of Shahi litchi. Odisha has its own GI tagged products like certain sweets and textiles but is not the origin state for Shahi litchi. Maharashtra is a leading producer of fruits like grapes and mangoes but not the famous Shahi litchi of Muzaffarpur. None of the above is incorrect because Bihar clearly matches the GI tagged variety mentioned in the question.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Shahi litchi with other fruit varieties that have GI tags and may guess another state that they have recently read about. Others may generalise that all litchis must be associated with any state where the crop is grown, ignoring the specific regional branding. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to memorise a small table of key GI products and their core states, such as Darjeeling tea for West Bengal and Shahi litchi for Bihar.
Final Answer:
The Shahi litchi variety that received a Geographical Indication GI tag is primarily associated with the state of Bihar.
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