Explanation: To understand the context of the given statements, we need to delve into the geography, wildlife, and historical events of India.
**Geography and Wildlife:**
The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is a vast region in the eastern part of India, primarily in the state of West Bengal, and it extends into Bangladesh. This delta is one of the largest in the world and is known for its rich biodiversity. The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a subspecies of tiger that is native to this region. The delta is also home to various species of crocodiles, including the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). Alligators, however, are not native to this region; they are primarily found in the Americas.
**Geographical Misconception:**
The second statement claims that the western coastal plains lie between the Western Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. This is incorrect. The western coastal plains are located between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal. The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, and the Arabian Sea is the body of water to the west of the Indian peninsula. The Bay of Bengal is located to the east of India, primarily along the eastern coast.
**Historical Context:**
The third statement asserts that India gained independence before World War II. This is also incorrect. India gained independence on August 15, 1947, which was after the end of World War II. World War II ended on September 2, 1945, with the surrender of Japan. The independence movement in India, led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others, culminated in the partition of India and Pakistan and the subsequent independence of both countries in 1947.
In summary, the correct answer is (B) Only 1, as the first statement about the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is true, while the second and third statements are false. Understanding the geographical features, wildlife, and historical events of India is crucial for comprehending the context of these statements.