Out of the four southern States: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which shares boundaries with the maximum number of Indian States?
A
Andhra Pradesh Only
B
Karnataka Only
C
Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
D
Each of Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Let's examine the number of Indian States sharing boundaries with each of the four southern States (borders prior to Telangana formation in 2014 are relevant here):
- Andhra Pradesh (Undivided): Shared boundaries with Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. (5 states)
- Karnataka: Shared boundaries with Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh (Undivided), Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. (5 states)
- Kerala: Shared boundaries with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. (2 states)
- Tamil Nadu: Shared boundaries with Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh (Undivided). (3 states)
2. Both Andhra Pradesh (Undivided) and Karnataka shared boundaries with the maximum number (5) of Indian states among the options. Therefore, the answer is Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.