Handicrafts and Textiles Practice Questions
20 free Handicrafts and Textiles practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following GI-tagged textiles from Gujarat is known for its intricate double-ikat weaving where both warp and weft threads are dyed before weaving?
- A Bandhani
- B Patola
- C Mashru
- D Ajrakh
Correct answer: Patola
Patola is a prestigious double-ikat silk saree from Patan, Gujarat. It is extremely labor-intensive because the design is created by dyeing both the horizontal and vertical threads with such precision that they align perfectly during weaving.
The famous 'Chikan' embroidery, characterized by delicate shadow-work and white floral patterns, is traditionally associated with which city?
- A Jaipur
- B Lucknow
- C Hyderabad
- D Kolkata
Correct answer: Lucknow
Chikankari is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is believed to have been introduced by Noor Jahan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir, and traditionally involves white thread on cool, pastel-colored fabrics.
Which state is home to the 'Phulkari' embroidery, which literally translates to 'flower work' and is traditionally done on khaddar fabric?
- A Haryana
- B Rajasthan
- C Punjab region
- D Himachal Pradesh
Correct answer: Punjab region
Phulkari is the rural embroidery of Punjab, characterized by bright-colored silken threads used to create floral and geometric patterns. It was traditionally crafted by women for personal use and special occasions like weddings.
The 'Kanchipuram' silk sarees, famous for their heavy gold borders and temple-inspired motifs, belong to which Indian state?
- A Karnataka
- B Tamil Nadu
- C Andhra Pradesh
- D Kerala
Correct answer: Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram sarees are woven in the Kanchipuram region of Tamil Nadu. They are distinguished by the 'Mallinagu' (jasmine bud) or 'Gopuram' (temple) motifs and the fact that the border and pallu are often woven separately and then joined to the body.
Which handicraft involves the art of inlaying silver or gold wire on a blackened alloy of copper and zinc, originating from Karnataka?
- A Dhokra
- B Bidriware
- C Meenakari
- D Thewa
Correct answer: Bidriware
Bidriware is a unique metal handicraft from Bidar, Karnataka. The striking contrast between the jet-black background and the shiny silver inlay work makes it highly distinctive.
The 'Pashmina' shawl, known for its extreme warmth and softness, is made from the wool of which animal?
- A Yak
- B Turkish Angora Rabbit
- C Changthangi Goat
- D Merino Sheep
Correct answer: Changthangi Goat
Pashmina is a fine type of wool variety sourced from the Changthangi goat (Capra hircus) native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas. The fiber is so fine that it must be hand-spun and hand-woven into shawls in Kashmir.
Which of the following is a traditional hand-block printing technique from Rajasthan that uses natural dyes and geometric patterns, often in shades of blue and red?
- A Sanganeri
- B Bagh
- C Kalamkari
- D Dabu
Correct answer: Sanganeri
Sanganeri print is a famous hand-block printing technique from Sanganer, Jaipur. It is known for its intricate floral and folk motifs printed on a white or off-white background.
The 'Dhokra' art, which uses the 'lost-wax casting' technique to create metal figurines, is primarily practiced by tribal communities in which state?
- A Odisha
- B Chhattisgarh
- C West Bengal
- D Andhra Pradesh
Correct answer: Chhattisgarh
Dhokra is a non-ferrous metal casting technique using the lost-wax process, practiced for over 4,000 years by tribal communities across central and eastern India. The Bastar region of Chhattisgarh is the most renowned centre for this craft, producing the iconic tribal figurines sold under the GI-tagged name 'Bastar Dhokra'. Odisha and West Bengal also have Dhokra-making communities, but Andhra Pradesh has no comparable tradition.
Which silk variety, known as the 'Queen of Silks', is exclusively produced in Assam and is famous for its natural golden yellow luster?
- A Tussar Silk
- B Muga Silk
- C Eri Silk
- D Mulberry Silk
Correct answer: Muga Silk
Muga silk is produced by the Antheraea assamensis silkworm, which is found only in the Brahmaputra valley. It is known for its extreme durability and a shimmering golden tint that actually improves with every wash.
The 'Kantha' embroidery, which involves a simple running stitch to join layers of old sarees or dhotis into quilts, is native to:
- A Jharkhand
- B West Bengal
- C Tripura
- D Chhattisgarh
Correct answer: West Bengal
Kantha is a popular style of embroidery that originated in rural West Bengal and Bangladesh. It was initially a way for women to recycle old cloth, transforming waste into beautiful, functional textiles with motifs inspired by daily life.
Which state is famous for 'Bandhani', a tie-dye textile decorated by plucking the cloth with the fingernails into many tiny bindings?
- A Maharashtra and Goa
- B Punjab and Haryana
- C Gujarat and Rajasthan
- D Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Correct answer: Gujarat and Rajasthan
Bandhani is a highly skilled tie-dye process where the fabric is tied into thousands of tiny knots before being dyed. It is the hallmark of the textile culture in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The 'Paithani' saree, characterized by a plain body and a heavy peacock-motif border, is a heritage textile from which state?
- A Karnataka
- B Maharashtra
- C Goa
- D Andhra Pradesh
Correct answer: Maharashtra
Paithani is a variety of saree, named after the Paithan town in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It is considered one of the richest sarees in India, featuring a 'zari' border and a pallu often decorated with peacock and lotus motifs.
Which handicraft from Rajasthan involves the process of decorating metal with colorful enamel fused onto gold or silver, and is especially associated with Jaipur's jewellers?
- A Blue Pottery
- B Ivory carving
- C Thewa
- D Meenakari
Correct answer: Meenakari
Meenakari is the art of coloring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing brilliant colors that are decorated in an intricate design. Jaipur is the world-renowned center for gold and silver Meenakari.
The 'Chanderi' fabric, known for its sheer texture and lightweight feel, is produced in which Indian state?
- A Uttar Pradesh
- B Madhya Pradesh
- C Jharkhand
- D Himachal Pradesh
Correct answer: Madhya Pradesh
Chanderi is a traditional ethnic fabric characterized by its lightweight, sheer texture and fine luxurious feel. It is produced by weaving in silk and golden zari in the traditional cotton yarn in the town of Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh.
Which of the following is a GI-tagged 'Handmade Carpet' hub in India, often called the 'Carpet City'?
- A Bhadohi
- B Agra
- C Srinagar
- D Mirzapur
Correct answer: Bhadohi
Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh is known as the 'Carpet City' because it is home to the largest hand-knotted carpet weaving industry hub in South Asia. Its carpets are exported globally and hold a GI tag.
The 'Sambalpuri' Ikat, which uses the 'Bandha' tie-and-dye technique, is a traditional handicraft of:
- A Telangana
- B Andhra Pradesh
- C Assam
- D Odisha
Correct answer: Odisha
Sambalpuri textiles are famous for their unique 'Bandha' patterns, where the warp and weft are tied and dyed before weaving. This craft is deeply rooted in the culture of Odisha.
Which handicraft involves creating designs using gold leaf on glass, typically associated with Pratapgarh in Rajasthan?
- A Thewa Art
- B Tanjore Art
- C Bidriware
- D Phad Art
Correct answer: Thewa Art
Thewa is a traditional art of fusing 23K gold with multicolored glass. This unique craft is a closely guarded secret passed down through generations of the 'Raj Soni' family in Pratapgarh.
The 'Pochampally' Ikat, often referred to as the 'Silk City of India', belongs to which state?
- A Telangana
- B Tamil Nadu
- C Karnataka
- D Kerala
Correct answer: Telangana
Pochampally in Telangana is famous for its Ikat sarees. It was the first traditional craft to receive Geographical Indication (GI) status in India back in 2004.
Which famous embroidery style from Manipur uses a unique needle-work that resembles a woven pattern and is used to decorate the 'Phanek' (sarong)?
- A Shamilami
- B Zardosi
- C Zari
- D Akoybi
Correct answer: Akoybi
Akoybi embroidery is a traditional Manipuri craft featuring circular motifs. It is often done on the borders of Phaneks to give them an elegant and finished look.
The 'Kalamkari' textile art, which uses a bamboo pen to draw motifs, has two major styles. One is Machilipatnam; what is the other?
- A Srikalahasti
- B Lepakshi
- C Visakhapatnam
- D Rajahmundry
Correct answer: Srikalahasti
Srikalahasti is the other major style of Kalamkari. While Machilipatnam uses blocks, Srikalahasti uses a pen (Kalam) for free-hand drawing of mythological scenes and deities.