Social Science

Indian Traditional Costume

3,235 Questions

Indian traditional costumes encompass regional handloom textiles, tribal clothing, and festive ethnic wear across different states. Questions on these cultural elements regularly appear in general awareness sections of SSC and state PSC exams. Review these answers to improve your knowledge of Indian handloom heritage.

Regional handloom sareesTribal textiles and craftsFestive ethnic wearTraditional embroidery techniquesHistorical textile centersDance performance attire

Indian Traditional Costume Questions

Multiple choice social history of clothing clothing: a social history history

Who among the following adopted the Parsi style of wearing sari pinned to the left shoulder with a brooch, and wore it with a blouse and shoes which was quickly adopted by Brahmo Samaji women?

  1. Jnananandini Devi

  2. Durgabai Deskhmukh

  3. Jhansi Lakshmi Bai

  4. Sarala
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Jnananandini Devi was a social reformer who pioneered various cultural innovations and influenced the earliest phase of women's empowerment in 19th century Bengal. She was married to Satyendhranath Tagore. This style of dressing gained acceptance before long among Maharashtrian and Uttar Pradesh Brahmos, as well as non-Brahmos.

Multiple choice social history of clothing clothing: a social history history

Chapkan literally means which among the following 

  1. Spinning yarn

  2. Charaka

  3. A long buttoned cloth

  4. Saree
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Chapkan literally means a long buttoned cloth. When there was a discussion regarding choosing Indian dress, Rabindhranath Tagore suggested that instead of combining Indian and European dress, India's national dress should combine elements of Hindu and Muslim dress. The chapkan, which is a long, buttoned coat, was considered a suitable dress for men.

Multiple choice social history of clothing clothing: a social history history

Who among the following were first to adopt western style clothing in India?

  1. Higher class Muslims

  2. Rich Hindu class

  3. Wealthy Parsis

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Wealthy Parsis were first to adopt western style clothing in India. These people belonged to higher communities. Western clothing was a sign of modernity which was thus adopted by wealthy Indians.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional attire worn by Sattriya dancers?

  1. Dhoti-kurta

  2. Saree

  3. Lehenga-choli

  4. Mekhela chador
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sattriya dancers traditionally wear dhoti-kurta, a loose-fitting attire that allows for freedom of movement.

Multiple choice

In the popular Indian folk dance Bhangra, what is the traditional attire worn by male dancers?

  1. Dhoti

  2. Kurta

  3. Sherwani

  4. Lunghi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In Bhangra, male dancers typically wear a colorful Kurta, a long tunic-like shirt, paired with a loose-fitting Salwar, a type of baggy pants. The Kurta is often adorned with intricate embroidery and vibrant patterns.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional attire worn by Bharatanatyam dancers?

  1. Saree

  2. Lehenga Choli

  3. Salwar Kameez

  4. Kurta Pyjama
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Bharatanatyam dancers traditionally wear a saree, a long, unstitched garment, draped in a specific style.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional costume for Bharatanatyam?

  1. A sari

  2. A lehenga choli

  3. A salwar kameez

  4. A ghagra choli
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The traditional costume for Bharatanatyam is a sari, which is a long piece of fabric draped around the body in a specific manner.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional jewelry worn by Bharatanatyam dancers?

  1. Gold and diamond jewelry

  2. Silver and turquoise jewelry

  3. Pearl and coral jewelry

  4. Wood and bone jewelry
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Bharatanatyam dancers traditionally wear gold and diamond jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and anklets.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional makeup worn by Bharatanatyam dancers?

  1. Heavy eye makeup and dark lipstick

  2. Natural makeup with a focus on the eyes

  3. Bright and colorful makeup

  4. Minimal makeup with a focus on the lips
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Bharatanatyam dancers traditionally wear heavy eye makeup, including kohl and eyeliner, and dark lipstick.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a traditional head accessory worn by Indian women during weddings and festivals?

  1. Maang Tikka

  2. Bindi

  3. Jhumka

  4. Payal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A maang tikka is a decorative headpiece worn in the center of the forehead, often adorned with gemstones or pearls.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian nose ring?

  1. Nath

  2. Bindi

  3. Jhumka

  4. Payal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A nath is a traditional nose ring worn by Indian women, often made of gold or silver and embellished with gemstones.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a traditional Indian earring?

  1. Maang Tikka

  2. Bindi

  3. Jhumka

  4. Payal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Jhumkas are traditional Indian earrings that hang from the earlobe and often feature intricate designs and gemstones.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian anklet?

  1. Maang Tikka

  2. Bindi

  3. Jhumka

  4. Payal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Payals are traditional Indian anklets worn around the ankles, often made of silver or gold and featuring intricate designs.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a traditional Indian waist accessory?

  1. Kamarband

  2. Bindi

  3. Jhumka

  4. Payal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A kamarband is a traditional Indian waist accessory, often made of metal or fabric and adorned with gemstones or beads.