UPSC Prelims 2014 Q76: Art & Culture – Festivals, Crafts & Folk Traditions
Consider the following towns of India:
1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
4. Karnal
Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Towns famous for traditional sarees and fabric
| Town | Famous for sarees/fabric? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bhadrachalam | No | A temple town of Telangana on the Godavari (Sri Rama temple) |
| 2. Chanderi | Yes | Chanderi sarees of Madhya Pradesh: light silk and cotton with zari |
| 3. Kancheepuram | Yes | Kanjeevaram silk sarees of Tamil Nadu |
| 4. Karnal | No | Haryana town known for rice and the National Dairy Research Institute |
Other saree centres:
| Saree | Place |
|---|---|
| Banarasi | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Paithani | Maharashtra |
| Pochampally Ikat | Telangana |
| Patola | Patan, Gujarat |
| Maheshwari | Madhya Pradesh |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bhadrachalam is a pilgrim town, not a saree centre.
- (b) CORRECT. Chanderi and Kancheepuram are famous for traditional sarees.
- (c) Incorrect. Bhadrachalam is not known for sarees or fabric.
- (d) Incorrect. Bhadrachalam and Karnal are not saree towns.
Key point
Saree towns: Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh), Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu), Varanasi, Paithan, Pochampally, Patan. Bhadrachalam is a temple town; Karnal is a dairy and rice centre.
Remember
Chanderi and Kancheepuram = saree towns.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Bhadrachalam with Pochampally or Gadwal of the same region.
- Not knowing Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh.
- Guessing Karnal because Haryana has textile towns such as Panipat.
Exam tip
A saree is usually named after its town: Chanderi, Kanjeevaram, Banarasi, Paithani.
Sources
- Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles — Handloom clusters of India
- Geographical Indications Registry — Chanderi Fabric and Kancheepuram Silk