The largest number of Buddhists is found in

1. The question asks where the largest number of Buddhists is found among the given states, based on census data likely around the time of the question (2001). 2. According to the 2001 Census of India: - Maharashtra had the highest number of Buddhists, primarily due to the large-scale conversions initiated by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. - Other states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar also have Buddhist populations, but significantly smaller than Maharashtra's. 3. Therefore, Maharashtra had the largest number of Buddhists.