UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT Paper II · Q13 of 78 Comprehension medium

Passage

In our country, handlooms are equated with a culture that ensures a continuity of tradition. This idea has become part of the public policy-framing and provides a legitimate basis for the State to support the sector. But the notion of tradition as a single, linear entity is being strongly contested today. The narratives dominant in defining culture/tradition in a particular way are seen to have emerged as the identities and histories of large sections. The discounted and, at times, forcibly stifled identities are fighting for their rightful place in history. Against this backdrop, when we promote handloom as a traditional industry, it is not surprising that large sections of our population choose to ignore it.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage ?

  1. (a) We need to free the handloom industry from the limited narrative linked to preserving cultural heritage. ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) Continued State support to the handloom industry ensures the preservation of some of our glorious art forms and old traditions.
  3. (c) Household units of the handloom sector should be modernized and made an economically viable organized industry.
  4. (d) Handloom products need to be converted to machine-made designer products so as to make them more popular.

Why the answer is (a)

• The passage argues that defining handlooms solely through a 'single, linear' tradition excludes the identities and histories of large sections of the population.

• It states that this dominant narrative causes these excluded groups to ignore the handloom sector.

• Therefore, the logical message is that the industry must move beyond this restrictive, monolithic cultural definition to be inclusive.

• Option (a) correctly identifies the need to free the industry from this 'limited narrative' to address the disconnect with the public.

• The other options either support the status quo (b) or propose unrelated economic/technical solutions (c, d) not mentioned in the text.

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Continued State support to the handloom industry ensures the preservation of some of our…
The passage criticizes the current state support based on a narrow traditional narrative, rather than endorsing it as a solution.
(c) Household units of the handloom sector should be modernized and made an economically…
The text focuses on cultural narratives and identity, not on the economic modernization or organization of household units.
(d) Handloom products need to be converted to machine-made designer products so as to make…
The passage does not suggest converting handlooms to machine-made products, but rather redefining the cultural narrative surrounding them.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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