Identify from the following, the correct statements with reference to the metropolis.

(A) It is often the chief centre or seat of some form of activity.
(B) It could be administrative, commercial or industrial centre.
(C) It generally serves a small hinterland.
(D) It is a very large city or agglomeration of population.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is (A), (B) and (D) only.

To understand why this option is correct, let us analyze the defining characteristics of a metropolis step-by-step:
1. Statement (A): "It is often the chief centre or seat of some form of activity."
A metropolis serves as a primary hub. It is typically the central point for cultural, economic, political, or social activities in a region. Therefore, statement (A) is correct.

2. Statement (B): "It could be administrative, commercial or industrial centre."
Metropolises are multifunctional urban areas. They often house government headquarters (administrative), major business districts and stock exchanges (commercial), or large manufacturing and distribution networks (industrial). Thus, statement (B) is correct.

3. Statement (C): "It generally serves a small hinterland."
A hinterland is the tributary area or region served by a central city. Because a metropolis is a major regional or national hub, it exerts economic and social influence over a very large and extensive hinterland, not a small one. Therefore, statement (C) is incorrect.

4. Statement (D): "It is a very large city or agglomeration of population."
By definition, a metropolis is characterized by a high population size and density, often consisting of a central city and its surrounding suburbs or urban agglomerations. Thus, statement (D) is correct.

Combining our findings, statements (A), (B), and (D) are correct, while statement (C) is incorrect. This matches the option (A), (B) and (D) only.