UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT Paper II · Q14 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.

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : I. There is no need for the State to be involved in any manner in the handloom sector. II. Handloom products are no longer appealing and attractive in the rapidly changing modern world. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

  1. (a) I only
  2. (b) II only
  3. (c) Both I and II
  4. (d) Neither I nor II ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• The passage states that the State's support for handlooms is based on the idea of tradition, but it does not argue that the State should withdraw entirely; rather, it suggests the current justification is being contested.

• Assumption I is invalid because the text discusses the basis for State support, not the complete absence of need for State involvement.

• The passage mentions that large sections of the population 'choose to ignore' handlooms because the dominant narrative of tradition excludes their identities, not because the products are inherently unappealing or unattractive.

• Assumption II is invalid because the lack of appeal is attributed to cultural and identity-based exclusion, not a general loss of attractiveness in the modern world.

• Since both assumptions misinterpret the specific arguments regarding cultural identity and state policy, neither is valid.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) I only
The passage does not conclude that the State has no need to be involved, only that the traditional justification for support is being contested.
(b) II only
The passage attributes the lack of interest to the exclusion of certain identities from the definition of tradition, not to the products being unappealing in a modern context.
(c) Both I and II
Both assumptions are invalid as the passage critiques the definition of tradition and the resulting social exclusion, not the necessity of state involvement or the inherent attractiveness of the products.

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.

Reading the answer is not the same as getting it right under a clock. Practise this question with UPSC's negative marking, and anything you miss goes into an error notebook until you get it right twice.

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