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.

QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2025

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?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Assumption I is incorrect: The passage does not argue that the State should withdraw from the handloom sector.
In fact, it acknowledges that “the idea of continuity of tradition... provides a legitimate basis for the State to support the sector.”
The author’s critique is not of State involvement, but of the narrow cultural framing that guides public policy.
Thus, the passage questions the basis of support, not the existence of support itself.

Assumption II is incorrect: The passage never claims that handloom products are inherently unappealing or obsolete in the modern world.
Rather, it suggests that the way handlooms are promoted — as a rigid “traditional industry” — alienates many people.
The problem lies in perception and narrative, not in the products themselves.

Therefore, neither assumption follows from the passage.