Explanations:The question asks which of the given Indian states was a country before 1972. To understand this, we need to delve into the historical context of each state and their political status prior to 1972.
Arunachal Pradesh, which was part of the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) under the administration of Assam, was never an independent country. It became a state in 1987, long after 1972.
Goa, on the other hand, was a Portuguese colony until 1961 when it was annexed by India. It was never an independent country before 1972. The Portuguese colonial rule ended with the Indian annexation, and Goa became a union territory of India, later becoming a state in 1987.
Meghalaya was part of Assam until 1972 when it was carved out as a separate state. It was never an independent country before 1972. The political status of Meghalaya was always under the larger administrative unit of Assam until its statehood in 1972.
Sikkim, however, had a different political history. Sikkim was an independent kingdom with its own monarchy until 1950. In 1950, it became a protectorate of India, which means it was under the protection of India but still retained some degree of sovereignty. In 1975, Sikkim officially became a state of India, losing its status as a protectorate and becoming fully integrated into the Indian Union. Therefore, Sikkim was indeed a country before 1972, making it the correct answer to the question.
Understanding the historical context of each state is crucial for answering questions about their political status. Sikkim's unique history as an independent kingdom and then a protectorate of India before becoming a state in 1975 sets it apart from the other options provided.