According to commonly cited Indian Census data, which one of the following states records the highest sex ratio (number of females per 1000 males) among the options given?

Introduction / Context:
The sex ratio is an important demographic indicator that shows the number of females per 1000 males in a population. In India, different states exhibit very different sex ratios due to social, cultural, and economic factors. Some states are known for particularly favourable or balanced sex ratios. This question asks which state among the given options is widely recognised in exam oriented materials as having the highest sex ratio.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options are Kerala, Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Tamil Nadu.
• We refer to commonly cited census data in general studies texts, where Kerala is known for a very high sex ratio.
• The sex ratio discussed is for the total population, not just children.
• We assume that the question is based on well known census figures where Kerala is at or near the top among Indian states.

Concept / Approach:
Kerala is frequently highlighted for its high sex ratio and high female literacy rate. In many census rounds, it has recorded more females than males per 1000 population, which is unusual in the Indian context. While states like Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu also have comparatively better sex ratios than many north Indian states, they usually do not surpass Kerala in this indicator in standard census tables. Karnataka has a moderate sex ratio but is not at the very top. Therefore, among these options, Kerala is the state that records the highest sex ratio.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kerala is often at the top of human development indicators in India, including literacy and sex ratio.Step 2: Compare Kerala with Karnataka. Karnataka has improved but generally does not surpass Kerala in sex ratio figures.Step 3: Compare Kerala with Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu. Both have better sex ratios than many other states, but Kerala typically appears with the highest value in census based rankings.Step 4: General studies books frequently present Kerala as the example of a state with more balanced female male ratios.Step 5: Therefore, Kerala is the correct answer among the options.

Verification / Alternative check:
When you look at tables of sex ratio by state in Indian census documents and exam preparation materials, Kerala often shows a sex ratio above 1000 females per 1000 males, a figure higher than most other states. Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu do have relatively good sex ratios but they usually rank below Kerala. Karnataka is somewhere in the middle. These repeated patterns across multiple sources confirm that Kerala is intended as the correct choice for highest sex ratio among the options listed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Karnataka: While not among the worst, Karnataka sex ratio is generally lower than Kerala and does not top the national rankings.

Meghalaya: This north eastern state may have a favourable sex ratio, and in some specific categories like child sex ratio it may perform well, but overall it is not consistently ranked above Kerala.

Tamil Nadu: This state has improved its sex ratio but still typically does not match Kerala very high figure.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may focus on regional stereotypes or select a state based on recent news rather than on consistent census patterns. Others might confuse child sex ratio with overall sex ratio. Keeping a clear memory that Kerala is widely used as the textbook example of a state with a high sex ratio helps avoid such confusion and ensures quick and accurate answers in the exam.

Final Answer:
Kerala records the highest sex ratio among the states listed in the options.