Explanation: Telugu is a prominent Dravidian language spoken primarily in the southern and southeastern parts of India. It is the official language of two states: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The language has a rich literary tradition and is one of the oldest languages in India, with a history dating back to the 6th century CE.
Andhra Pradesh, located in the southeastern part of India, was originally a single state that included the region that is now Telangana. In 2014, Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh to form a new state, but Telugu remained the official language of both states. This linguistic continuity reflects the shared cultural heritage of the two regions.
Telugu is spoken by approximately 80 million people, making it the third most spoken language in India. It is also spoken by significant populations in other Indian states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, as well as by Indian expatriates in various countries around the world.
It is important to note that while Telugu is the official language of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is not the official language of Jharkhand. Jharkhand, located in the eastern part of India, has Hindi as its primary official language, along with Santhali and other tribal languages.
Understanding the distribution of languages across Indian states is crucial for various competitive examinations, particularly those related to Indian geography and culture. It helps in comprehending the linguistic diversity and administrative divisions within the country. The correct answer to the question is (D) Only (A) & (B), as Telugu is the official language of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but not of Jharkhand.