Explanations:The question involves evaluating the truthfulness of three statements related to the geography and cultural aspects of Odisha and its neighboring regions. Let's break down each statement:
1. "From Odisha to Tamil Nadu, the Eastern coasts were expanded." This statement is true. The eastern coast of India, also known as the Coromandel Coast, stretches from Odisha in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. This region is characterized by its long coastline and significant maritime history.
2. "Gangtok is the capital of Odisha." This statement is false. Gangtok is the capital of the northeastern state of Sikkim, not Odisha. The capital of Odisha is Bhubaneswar. This is a common misconception that can be easily clarified by understanding the geography and administrative divisions of India.
3. "Gonds are found in Western Odisha." This statement is true. The Gonds are an indigenous tribal group found in various parts of central India, including parts of Odisha. They are particularly concentrated in the western and central regions of the state, where they have a significant cultural and demographic presence.
Given these evaluations, the correct answer is Option D, which states that only the first and third statements are true. The second statement is false, as Gangtok is not the capital of Odisha.
Understanding the geography and cultural distribution of India's states is crucial for competitive examinations, particularly those related to civil services and state-level public service commissions. It is important to be familiar with the capitals of different states, the geographical features, and the distribution of various ethnic and tribal groups within these regions.