Question

What does the popularity of Indian textiles in the 17th and 18th centuries suggest about their quality?

• A. They were refined, elegant, and superior to European textiles
• B. They were mostly used for industrial purposes
• C. They were cheap and easily replaceable
• D. They were plain and utilitarian

Answer 1

Answer:

A. They were refined, elegant, and superior to European textiles

Indian Handicrafts Textiles form an integral part of India’s rich artistic and craft heritage. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Indian fabrics were so highly prized that both France and Britain imposed bans on their import to protect their own struggling textile industries. The coarse European cloth simply couldn't compete with the refined quality and elegance of Indian textiles. These textiles are not just commodities but living traditions shaped by India’s diverse social, economic, and cultural landscapes.