The correct answer is: A. 17th March, 1948
Sheikh Abdullah took oath as the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 17th March, 1948. He was the first Prime Minister of the state and served in that position till 1953. He was a prominent Kashmiri leader and a freedom fighter who played a key role in the state’s accession to India.
Option B is incorrect because Sheikh Abdullah took oath as the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 17th March, 1948, not on 20th February, 1948.
Option C is incorrect because Sheikh Abdullah took oath as the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 17th March, 1948, not on 17th May, 1947.
Option D is incorrect because Sheikh Abdullah did take oath as the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 17th March, 1948.