The correct answer is (b) Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of manganese in India, accounting for about 50% of the country’s production. The state has large reserves of manganese ore, which is used in the production of steel and other alloys.
Maharashtra is the second largest producer of manganese in India, accounting for about 25% of the country’s production. The state has smaller reserves of manganese ore than Madhya Pradesh, but it is more developed and has a larger industrial base.
Karnataka is the third largest producer of manganese in India, accounting for about 15% of the country’s production. The state has smaller reserves of manganese ore than Maharashtra, but it is also more developed and has a larger industrial base.
Orissa is the fourth largest producer of manganese in India, accounting for about 10% of the country’s production. The state has smaller reserves of manganese ore than Karnataka, and it is less developed and has a smaller industrial base.