Question

Which is the first handloom cloth patented in India?
(A) Banarasi sarees
(B) Kanchipuram silk sarees
(C) Pochampally sarees
(D) Patola sarees

Answer 1

HINT: Handloom in India was invented at the site of Mohenjo-Daro and was discovered around the 18 century, evidence shows that out of all arts and crafts Indian handloom was the oldest. India has a tradition of excellence and precession in making high-quality handloom products with extraordinary skills and craftsmanship, which are unbeatable in the world.

COMPLETE ANSWER: Bhoodan Pochampally marked its place in Indian history as a silk mine in the 18th century, Pochampally ikat sarees is said to be started in a town of Pochampally from Chirala where the art was locally referred to as chit-Ku. It initially started with a small number of people but later a lot of people joined in and the town was famous for the fabric being produced. Ikats are normally of two types - single ikat, where only the warp is tie-dyed and interwoven with the weft, which is either uncolored or has only one color; and double ikats where both, warp and weft are tie-dyed and kept in such a way that they work together for creating a specific design. By patenting this handloom, no other producers of handloom sarees can sell in the name of "Pochampally Ikkat Sarees".Only sarees that are produced in Pochampally and the surrounding villages can be sold with this brand name. Weavers get more profit as the sarees made by them have a brand name which is recognized all over the world.

Therefore, the first saree to be patented in India was c. Pochampally sarees.

NOTE: One of the basic telling signs of a Pochampally silk saree is the geometric design made over the fabric. The minute detailing gives it a very alluring effect; if you look at the design directly it can actually have a hypnotizing effect.