Explanation: In geography, the classification of states as landlocked or coastal is based on their geographical location and whether they have a coastline. A landlocked state is entirely surrounded by land and does not have access to the sea, whereas a coastal state has a coastline and is bordered by a sea or ocean.
Jharkhand, Haryana, and Telangana are all landlocked states in India. Jharkhand is located in the eastern part of the country and is surrounded by other states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. Haryana is situated in the northern part of India and is bordered by Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Telangana is located in the southern-central part of India and is surrounded by other states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. None of these states have a coastline, making them landlocked.
Kerala, on the other hand, is a coastal state located on the southwestern coast of India. It has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea, which extends for about 590 kilometers. The state is bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. The presence of a coastline makes Kerala a coastal state, not a landlocked one.
Understanding the geographical characteristics of states is crucial for various competitive examinations, especially those related to state-level knowledge and geography. It is important to remember the specific geographical features of each state to avoid common misconceptions and to correctly identify whether a state is landlocked or coastal.