Which region currently produces the maximum amount of crude petroleum in India among the options given, and has long been a major offshore oil field for the country?

Introduction / Context:
Crude petroleum is a vital natural resource and a major source of energy for India. Understanding where India's main oil fields are located is important for geography and economic awareness. Historically, oil production began onshore in places like Assam, but large offshore fields have since become the dominant contributors. This question asks which region among the options produces the maximum crude petroleum in India, with a focus on a well known offshore field.

Given Data / Assumptions:
We are comparing crude petroleum production across Assam, Gujarat, Offshore Bombay High, and Coastal Tamil Nadu.We assume typical production patterns where a large offshore field is a major contributor.Crude petroleum refers to crude oil extracted before refining.The question focuses on the largest producing region among the given options.

Concept / Approach:
Assam was one of the earliest regions in India where oil was discovered and exploited, and Gujarat also has important oil fields. However, Bombay High, an offshore oil field located in the Arabian Sea near the coast of Mumbai, has long been the single largest source of crude petroleum production in India. Coastal Tamil Nadu has some oil and gas fields, but these are not as large as Bombay High. Therefore, Offshore Bombay High stands out as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the major oil producing regions of India, including Assam, Gujarat, and the offshore Bombay High field.Step 2: Understand that while Assam and Gujarat are important, the offshore Bombay High field has been recognised as the largest single oil producing area for many years.Step 3: Consider Coastal Tamil Nadu, which has some hydrocarbon resources but is not leading in crude oil output compared to Bombay High.Step 4: Compare the four options and identify Offshore Bombay High as the major crude petroleum producing region.Step 5: Select Offshore Bombay High as the correct answer based on this reasoning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard geography textbooks and exam preparation books mention Bombay High repeatedly as the most important offshore oil field in India, contributing a significant share of national crude oil production. Maps of energy resources of India also highlight Bombay High prominently. While Assam and Gujarat are also important, their combined output is generally compared with but not individually higher than that of Bombay High. This consistent emphasis on Bombay High confirms that it is the maximum crude petroleum producing region among the listed options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Assam: This region has some of the oldest oil fields in India, such as Digboi, but total production is lower than that from Bombay High.Gujarat: Gujarat has onshore and nearshore fields, but again, its production is less than that of the large offshore Bombay High field.Coastal Tamil Nadu: This region has offshore resources in the Cauvery basin, but they are smaller in comparison and not the leading source of crude oil production.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may assume that because oil was first discovered in Assam, it must still be the largest producer. Others may confuse the importance of historical fields with current production volumes. Another pitfall is simply guessing based on familiarity with state names rather than recalling the significance of Bombay High as an offshore giant field. Careful study of maps and data on Indian energy resources helps avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
The region that produces the maximum crude petroleum in India among the given options is Offshore Bombay High.