RAS question
Barmer is known for which distinctive textile craft?
Correct answer: (C) Applique work and embroidery (Barmer embroidery).
Barmer is known for applique work and embroidery, especially the textile tradition commonly identified as Barmer embroidery.
Explanation
Barmer's distinctive textile identity is applique work and embroidery, not a single generic cloth craft. Vibrant Barmer embroidery includes Tanka, Pakka and Katchhi work, along with applique textiles made with mirror work on garments, ralli quilts and bags by Meghwal, Sodha and other communities. Handmade in Rajasthan, Government of Rajasthan directly titles the craft as "Applique of Barmer" and describes applique as sewing smaller pieces of fabric onto a larger background to form decorative patterns; it also lists Barmer among Rajasthan's centres for this craft. That fits option C because it captures both parts of the local textile association: applique work and embroidery.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Tie-dye alone does not identify Barmer here; tie-dye is linked primarily with Bandhani from Jaipur and Jodhpur, while Barmer is tied to embroidery and applique.
- (B) Carpet weaving may exist in Barmer, but the question asks for the distinctive textile craft, and Barmer is better known for embroidery and applique.
- (D) Silk weaving is not presented as Barmer's primary craft, so it misses the district's recognised applique-and-embroidery identity.
Concept
This tests the RAS art-and-culture habit of matching Rajasthan districts with their signature crafts. It recurs because textile traditions such as applique, embroidery, Bandhani and local printing styles are standard markers of regional cultural geography.