Question
(A) Nothing spells extravagance like silk does. Producing silk is a lengthy process and demands close attention. First, quality feed for silkworms needs to be cultivated. Then the worms need to be carefully hand-reared in controlled environmental conditions till the pupae spin the silk cocoons. The silk is extracted by human hand and then woven into fabric.
(B) India’s southern region specialises in the production of rich silk yams that are used in combination with • other yams that are then transformed into awe-inspiring fabrics. India prides itself as the only country that produces all types of natural silk, made from various types of silk-spinning worms. Mulberry, tussar, eri and munga are special to India. The silk yam of south India is recognised as authentic and elegant not only in the country, but globally. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are among the leading states producing silk yam in India. South India is the leading silk-producing area of the country, and is also known for its famous silk-weaving enclaves like Kanchipuram, Dharmavaram and Ami. The traditional handloom silk always scores over the powerloom ones in the richness of their textures and design, in their individuality, character and classic beauty. Handloom weaving remains a symbol of the versatility and creativity of living craft. Today, Indian silks, especially the handloom product remains the most beautiful and cherished product in the world over.
(C) It is estimated that almost 85 per cent of the price of silk in the market goes back to communities that are engaged in sericulture and silk industry as the entire families are involved in production rather than one bread winner.
(D) It plays a huge role in the upliftment of communities from poverty to prosperity. If the consumption of silk increases, the entire village tends to prosper. The final part of silk production is the weaving of the fabric which is considered more of an art than an act. These communities depend solely on weaving silk for their livelihood and the distinct regions have developed their own character of weaving silk to establish indelible identities for themselves.
(E) Silk has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Indians. Though India is producing all the varieties of silk, i.e., dress materials, scarves/stoles, readymade garments, etc., the silk sarees are unique. The saree is almost synonymous with the word silk. It has been the traditional costume of Indian women since time immemorial. There are innumerable references in Indian literature about this draped garment and the style of wearing differs from time to time, region to region and people to people. The silk sarees of India are among the excellent living examples of the craftsmanship of the weavers of the country. Though India has earned a predominant position in the world with rising silk demand, it still lags behind China in silk production. India contributes around 15 per cent of the world’s total silk production while China contributes more than 80 per cent of global production. In India, the cost of imported silk yam is approximately ₹ 4,500 per kg while domestic yam is sold between ₹ 3,500 and ₹ 3,800 per kg.
Questions:
(i) What is required for producing quality silk?
(ii) Which regions in India are leading in silk yam production?
(iii) What percentage of the price of silk in the market goes back to communities engaged in sericulture and silk industry?
(iv) Which country produces the most silk in the world?
(v) Find a word from the passage which has the same meaning as 'extravagance'.
(vi) Write the verb form of 'production'.
(vii) Find a word from the passage opposite in meaning to 'prosperity'.
(viii) Write the adverb form of 'beautiful'.
(ix) What is the significance of handloom weaving in South India?
A) It is cheaper than powerloom weaving.
B) It is known for its individuality, character, and classic beauty.
C) It produces more silk than powerloom weaving.
D) It is easier and faster than powerloom weaving.
(x) What is the role of silk production in Indian communities?
A) It has no significant impact.
B) It is only a minor source of income.
C) It uplifts communities from poverty to prosperity.
D) It is solely dependent on government subsidies.
(B) India’s southern region specialises in the production of rich silk yams that are used in combination with • other yams that are then transformed into awe-inspiring fabrics. India prides itself as the only country that produces all types of natural silk, made from various types of silk-spinning worms. Mulberry, tussar, eri and munga are special to India. The silk yam of south India is recognised as authentic and elegant not only in the country, but globally. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are among the leading states producing silk yam in India. South India is the leading silk-producing area of the country, and is also known for its famous silk-weaving enclaves like Kanchipuram, Dharmavaram and Ami. The traditional handloom silk always scores over the powerloom ones in the richness of their textures and design, in their individuality, character and classic beauty. Handloom weaving remains a symbol of the versatility and creativity of living craft. Today, Indian silks, especially the handloom product remains the most beautiful and cherished product in the world over.
(C) It is estimated that almost 85 per cent of the price of silk in the market goes back to communities that are engaged in sericulture and silk industry as the entire families are involved in production rather than one bread winner.
(D) It plays a huge role in the upliftment of communities from poverty to prosperity. If the consumption of silk increases, the entire village tends to prosper. The final part of silk production is the weaving of the fabric which is considered more of an art than an act. These communities depend solely on weaving silk for their livelihood and the distinct regions have developed their own character of weaving silk to establish indelible identities for themselves.
(E) Silk has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Indians. Though India is producing all the varieties of silk, i.e., dress materials, scarves/stoles, readymade garments, etc., the silk sarees are unique. The saree is almost synonymous with the word silk. It has been the traditional costume of Indian women since time immemorial. There are innumerable references in Indian literature about this draped garment and the style of wearing differs from time to time, region to region and people to people. The silk sarees of India are among the excellent living examples of the craftsmanship of the weavers of the country. Though India has earned a predominant position in the world with rising silk demand, it still lags behind China in silk production. India contributes around 15 per cent of the world’s total silk production while China contributes more than 80 per cent of global production. In India, the cost of imported silk yam is approximately ₹ 4,500 per kg while domestic yam is sold between ₹ 3,500 and ₹ 3,800 per kg.
Questions:
(i) What is required for producing quality silk?
(ii) Which regions in India are leading in silk yam production?
(iii) What percentage of the price of silk in the market goes back to communities engaged in sericulture and silk industry?
(iv) Which country produces the most silk in the world?
(v) Find a word from the passage which has the same meaning as 'extravagance'.
(vi) Write the verb form of 'production'.
(vii) Find a word from the passage opposite in meaning to 'prosperity'.
(viii) Write the adverb form of 'beautiful'.
(ix) What is the significance of handloom weaving in South India?
A) It is cheaper than powerloom weaving.
B) It is known for its individuality, character, and classic beauty.
C) It produces more silk than powerloom weaving.
D) It is easier and faster than powerloom weaving.
(x) What is the role of silk production in Indian communities?
A) It has no significant impact.
B) It is only a minor source of income.
C) It uplifts communities from poverty to prosperity.
D) It is solely dependent on government subsidies.