Concept:
Nautanki is one of the most popular traditional folk theatre forms of North India. It combines music, dance, drama, and storytelling and is especially associated with the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Step 1: Understand the features of Nautanki.
Nautanki performances are known for:
• Musical storytelling
• Dramatic dialogues
• Folk songs
• Colorful costumes
• Entertaining social and historical themes
It is usually performed in open spaces before large rural audiences.
Step 2: Identify the region associated with Nautanki.
Nautanki developed mainly in:
\[
\text{Uttar Pradesh}
\]
Important centers of Nautanki tradition include:
• Kanpur
• Hathras
• Lucknow region
Step 3: Compare with the given options.
Among the given choices:
• Haryana has folk forms such as Saang.
• Maharashtra is known for Tamasha.
• Uttar Pradesh is famous for Nautanki.
• Tamil Nadu has folk traditions like Therukoothu.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
\[
\boxed{\text{Uttar Pradesh}}
\]
Hence:
\[
\boxed{\mathrm{(C)}}
\]