The percentage of land area of old Bihar that forms the State of Jharkhand is –

38.40%
45.85%
42.35%
51.72%

The correct answer is C. 42.35%.

The State of Jharkhand was carved out of the southern part of the erstwhile State of Bihar on 15 November 2000. The total area of Jharkhand is 79,716 sq km, while the total area of Bihar is 94,163 sq km. Therefore, the percentage of land area of old Bihar that forms the State of Jharkhand is 42.35%.

Option A is incorrect because it is the percentage of land area of Jharkhand that is covered by forests. Option B is incorrect because it is the percentage of population of Jharkhand that is tribal. Option D is incorrect because it is the percentage of land area of Jharkhand that is irrigated.