What is the primary purpose of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, such as the one associated with Mysuru Silk Sarees?
A To provide financial subsidies to weavers.
B To certify the product's origin and quality, preventing unauthorized use.
C To promote the product exclusively in international markets.
D To establish a fixed price for the product across all retailers.
Answer: B
A GI tag identifies goods originating from a specific geographical territory, possessing qualities or a reputation due to that origin, thereby preventing unauthorized use and ensuring authenticity and quality.
12.
Mysuru Silk Sarees, known for their distinctive weave and zari work, primarily originate from which Indian state?
A Karnataka
B Tamil Nadu
C Andhra Pradesh
D Kerala
Answer: A
Mysuru Silk Sarees are traditionally produced in Mysore, Karnataka, and are known for their pure silk and gold zari work. They received their Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005.
13.
Beyond mere physical preservation, what is a significant long-term benefit of the intensified digital archiving of ancient manuscripts for academic research and public accessibility?
A It restricts access to only a select group of specialized scholars.
B It significantly reduces the need for physical libraries and archival institutions.
C It facilitates global access, interdisciplinary studies, and the discovery of new interpretations without geographical barriers.
D It primarily serves to increase the commercial value of rare manuscripts in the international market.
Answer: C
Digital archiving democratizes access to ancient manuscripts, allowing researchers and the public worldwide to study them. This global accessibility fosters interdisciplinary research, new interpretations, and a deeper understanding of cultural heritage, overcoming geographical and physical limitations.
14.
The 'E-Grath Sanjeevani' portal, often associated with the digital archiving efforts in India, serves what primary purpose?
A A platform for online art exhibitions of contemporary Indian artists.
B A digital repository for ancient Indian manuscripts, making them accessible for research and public viewing.
C An e-commerce site for traditional Indian handicrafts and textiles.
D A database for archaeological findings and excavation reports across India.
Answer: B
E-Grath Sanjeevani is a digital portal developed by the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) to provide online access to digitized ancient Indian manuscripts, facilitating research, education, and wider public engagement with India's textual heritage.
15.
Which autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is primarily responsible for the documentation, conservation, and digital archiving of India's vast manuscript heritage?
A Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
B National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)
C National Archives of India (NAI)
D Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
Answer: B
The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), established in 2003 under the Ministry of Culture, is the nodal agency dedicated to identifying, documenting, conserving, and making accessible India's manuscript wealth, including through extensive digital archiving efforts.
16.
What are the traditional materials predominantly used in Kalamkari art for both the base fabric and the coloring agents?
A Cotton fabric and natural vegetable dyes.
B Silk fabric and synthetic dyes.
C Woolen fabric and chemical pigments.
D Linen fabric and mineral paints.
Answer: A
Kalamkari traditionally uses cotton fabric as its base. The colors are derived from natural vegetable dyes, often prepared from roots, leaves, barks, and minerals, making it an eco-friendly art form.
17.
The Srikalahasti style of Kalamkari art is primarily distinguished by which of the following characteristics?
A Block printing with intricate floral and Persian motifs.
B Freehand drawing using a 'kalam' (pen) and depicting mythological narratives.
C Embroidery work on silk fabric with geometric patterns.
D Dyeing technique involving resist printing with wax.
Answer: B
Srikalahasti Kalamkari is characterized by freehand drawing using a 'kalam' (bamboo pen) to outline and fill colors, primarily depicting scenes from Hindu epics, Puranas, and religious deities. Machilipatnam Kalamkari, in contrast, uses block printing.
18.
Which two distinct styles of Kalamkari art, known for their unique techniques and regional origins, have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags in India?
A Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam
B Thanjavur and Mysore
C Pochampally and Gadwal
D Kanchipuram and Arani
Answer: A
Srikalahasti Kalamkari (received GI tag in 2007) and Machilipatnam Kalamkari (received GI tag in 2008) are the two prominent styles of Kalamkari art, both originating from Andhra Pradesh, that have been granted Geographical Indication tags.
19.
Which state in India holds the highest number of GI tags for traditional art and craft forms as of early 2026?
A Tamil Nadu
B Uttar Pradesh
C Karnataka
D Kerala
Answer: B
As of early 2026, Uttar Pradesh continues to lead in the number of GI tags, particularly for its diverse range of traditional handicrafts and art forms.
20.
The GI tag for a traditional art form provides legal protection under which of the following acts?
A Copyright Act, 1957
B Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
C Patents Act, 1970
D Trade Marks Act, 1999
Answer: B
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, governs the registration and protection of GI tags in India.
