National Park: India's First Established Park

The question asks to identify the first National Park in India, which was established in the year 1936. Understanding the history of India's conservation efforts helps in identifying this significant landmark.

Hailley National Park: The Pioneer of Conservation

The correct answer is Hailley National Park. Here's why:

• Establishment Year: Hailley National Park was indeed established in 1936. This makes it the first National Park not just in India, but also in the entirety of Asia.
• Purpose and Location: It was primarily created to protect the endangered Bengal tiger population. The park is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
• Renaming: In 1957, the park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in honor of the renowned British hunter, tracker, naturalist, and conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a key role in its establishment and protection.

Examining Other National Park Options

Let's consider why the other options listed are not the first National Park:

• Kanha National Park: Located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is famous for its tiger population. While it was declared a wildlife sanctuary earlier, it was established as a full-fledged National Park in 1955, much later than Hailley National Park.
• Bharatpur National Park: Also known as Keoladeo National Park, this famous bird sanctuary is in Rajasthan. It gained the status of a National Park in 1982 and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Rajaji National Park: Situated in Uttarakhand, Rajaji National Park was formed by merging three existing wildlife sanctuaries (Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla) in 1983. Therefore, it was established significantly later than Hailley National Park.

Conclusion on India's First National Park

Based on the historical establishment dates, Hailley National Park holds the distinction of being India's very first National Park, founded in 1936 and later known as Jim Corbett National Park.