Which state of India has the largest area among all Indian states?

Introduction / Context:
This question is from basic Indian geography. It asks you to identify the state with the largest area. Area and population rankings of states are frequently asked in competitive examinations and are part of general awareness about the country. Knowing which state is largest by area helps in understanding regional diversity, resource distribution, and map based questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is restricted to Indian states, not including union territories.
• The options list major states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• We are concerned with area, not population.

Concept / Approach:
Rajasthan is known as the largest state of India in terms of area. It covers a significant portion of northwestern India and includes part of the Thar Desert. While Uttar Pradesh has the largest population, its area is smaller than that of Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat are also large states by area but are still behind Rajasthan in the ranking. Therefore, when asked about the state with the largest area, Rajasthan is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Rajasthan is often described in textbooks and exams as the largest state by area.Step 2: Remember that Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state but not the largest in land area.Step 3: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are large central and western states but are smaller in area than Rajasthan.Step 4: Gujarat, though extensive along the western coast, also has less area than Rajasthan.Step 5: Conclude that Rajasthan is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Looking at a political map of India, Rajasthan covers a broad region from the border with Pakistan across to states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Its large desert region and multiple districts give it a visibly greater land area compared with other states. Standard geography tables also list Rajasthan at the top of state area rankings, which confirms this choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Uttar Pradesh leads in population, which can mislead students, but in area it is smaller than Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh is sometimes called the heart of India and has large area, yet it still ranks below Rajasthan. Maharashtra is a populous and industrial state on the western coast, but its area is also less than that of Rajasthan. Gujarat is important for ports and industry but is not the largest in area.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to confuse largest by population with largest by area and to pick Uttar Pradesh. Another error is to rely only on visual impressions from a map without remembering exact rankings. During preparation, it can be helpful to memorise a small list: Rajasthan as largest by area, Uttar Pradesh as largest by population, and states like Sikkim and Goa among the smallest by area.

Final Answer:
The state of India that has the largest area is Rajasthan.