Explanations:The question pertains to the historical name change of a national park located in the state of Karnataka, India. Specifically, it asks about a park that was formerly known as the "Rajiv Gandhi National Park" and is situated in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka.
Nagarhole National Park, which is the correct answer, is a protected area in the Western Ghats, a mountain range in the southern part of India. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is one of the largest biosphere reserves in India. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of wildlife such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and various species of birds and reptiles.
In 1988, Nagarhole National Park was renamed to Rajiv Gandhi National Park in honor of the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. However, the park retained its original name, Nagarhole, and the historical name change is a significant piece of information for those studying the geography and history of Karnataka.
It is important to note that while Bandipur National Park is also located in Karnataka, it was not renamed after Rajiv Gandhi. Bandipur is known for its tiger reserve and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve as well, but it has a different history and name. Periyar National Park, on the other hand, is located in Kerala and is not related to the Rajiv Gandhi National Park name change.
Understanding the historical context and geographical location of these national parks is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC, where questions on Indian geography and history are common. The correct answer, Nagarhole National Park, reflects the historical name change and its location within Karnataka.