Which of the following is the smallest taluk (administrative subdivision) in the state of Kerala?

Introduction / Context:
In Indian administrative geography, each state is divided into districts, and districts are further divided into smaller units such as taluks or tehsils. Kerala, though a relatively small state by area, has many taluks. General knowledge questions sometimes ask about the largest or smallest taluk to test awareness of such administrative details. Kunnathur is well known in this context as the smallest taluk in Kerala by area.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the smallest taluk in Kerala State.
• The options are Kunnathur, Eranad, Palakkad, and Alappuzha.
• We assume that smallest refers to areal extent, not population.
• We rely on standard GK references that explicitly state which taluk holds this distinction.

Concept / Approach:
Taluks in Kerala vary in size. Kunnathur taluk, part of Kollam district, is generally cited in exam guides as the smallest by area. By contrast, Eranad is identified as one of the largest taluks, and Palakkad and Alappuzha are more commonly known as districts rather than taluks in everyday usage. Therefore, the approach is to recall specific factual information that Kunnathur is the smallest taluk of the state.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in Kerala, taluks are important units of revenue and local administration.Step 2: Remember that Kunnathur taluk is located in Kollam district in the southern part of Kerala.Step 3: Recognise that Kunnathur is repeatedly mentioned in general knowledge books as the smallest taluk of the state by area.Step 4: Note that Eranad is cited as the largest taluk in Kerala, not the smallest.Step 5: Understand that Palakkad and Alappuzha are more widely known as districts, and the taluk level reference for smallest size is directed to Kunnathur.

Verification / Alternative check:
Lists of Kerala taluks in competitive exam material often include short facts such as "Largest taluk: Eranad; Smallest taluk: Kunnathur; Largest district: Palakkad; Smallest district: Alappuzha." This pattern helps students memorise multiple facts at once. Seeing this cluster of related facts repeatedly in practice questions and notes reinforces the association of Kunnathur with the title of smallest taluk in Kerala.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Eranad: This taluk is actually known as the largest taluk in Kerala, so it is the opposite of what the question asks.
Palakkad: Palakkad is primarily known as the largest district in Kerala; it is not identified as the smallest taluk.
Alappuzha: Alappuzha is recognised as the smallest district in Kerala, not as the smallest taluk of the state.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse district level superlatives with taluk level superlatives. Because Alappuzha is the smallest district, some learners mistakenly choose it for questions about the smallest taluk. Similarly, they may pick Eranad because they remember it as a superlative taluk, but forget that it is the largest, not the smallest. Keeping the four basic facts together in memory helps: Kunnathur (smallest taluk), Eranad (largest taluk), Palakkad (largest district), Alappuzha (smallest district).

Final Answer:
The smallest taluk in Kerala State is Kunnathur.