Which Indian port city on the Arabian Sea is popularly known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'?

Introduction / Context:
Many Indian ports and cities have traditional nicknames that reflect their historical importance in trade and maritime activity. One such famous title is the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” used for a major port city on the south western coast of India. Recognising these nicknames is useful in geography, history, and general awareness sections of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to a port city on the Arabian Sea.
• The nickname mentioned is “Queen of the Arabian Sea.”
• The options are Cochin, Mumbai, Mangalore, and Surat.
• We assume standard historical and geographical associations used in textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
Cochin, now commonly called Kochi, is a major natural harbour and port city in Kerala, located on the Arabian Sea. Historically, it has been an important centre of spice trade with Arabs, Chinese, and later Europeans, especially the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Due to its strategic location and long history as a thriving port, Kochi earned the nickname “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Other ports like Mumbai, Mangalore, and Surat have their own importance but are not associated with this specific title.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Cochin or Kochi is a famous natural harbour on the Kerala coast, facing the Arabian Sea. Step 2: Know that it has historically been a major spice trading centre connecting India with West Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world. Step 3: Because of its beauty, strategic position, and commercial importance, Cochin has been popularly called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Step 4: Mumbai is India's largest port and financial capital, often called the “Gateway of India,” but not usually the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Step 5: Mangalore and Surat are important ports too, yet they do not carry this particular nickname in standard GK references. Step 6: Hence, the correct answer is Cochin.

Verification / Alternative check:
School textbooks, tourism brochures, and many GK books explicitly refer to Kochi as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” because of its natural harbour and historical trade links. While Mumbai is often described as the “Gateway of India” and Surat as a historic port and diamond centre, the title in question appears consistently with Cochin. This repeated usage across reliable sources confirms that Cochin is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mumbai: India's largest commercial city and major port, but better known by titles such as “Gateway of India,” not “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Mangalore: An important port on the Karnataka coast, but not popularly known by this specific nickname in standard references. Surat: A historic port and textile and diamond centre on the Gujarat coast, yet it is not given the title “Queen of the Arabian Sea.”

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up nicknames or guess based on the size of the city, choosing Mumbai because it is very famous. However, exam questions about nicknames usually follow traditional associations, not city size. To avoid confusion, memorise a short set of port nicknames: Kochi–Queen of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai–Gateway of India, Kolkata–City of Joy, and so on. This approach makes such MCQs straightforward.

Final Answer:
The Indian port city popularly known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' is Cochin (Kochi).