Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Factors for Geographical Divergence:

Spinning is concentrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu due to availability of raw cotton, moist climate, port facilities, transport networks, and cheap labour. Weaving, however, is highly decentralised to preserve traditional skills and designs in cotton, silk, zari, and embroidery across different regions.

Socio-economic Implications:

• Decentralised weaving provides large-scale cottage industry employment, especially through handloom/khadi.
• Despite world-class spinning capacity, weaving supplies low-quality fabric, unable to utilise high-quality yarn produced domestically.
• The industry supports farmers, ginners, dyers, tailors, and allied industries like chemicals and packaging.

Source: Cotton Textiles, Chapter 6 — Manufacturing Industries

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Examiners expect two clear parts: why the split exists (locational factors for spinning vs. tradition/skill for weaving) and what it means (employment, quality gap, backward linkages). The textbook explicitly states weaving is "highly decentralised to provide scope for traditional skills" — use that phrasing. Mentioning the quality paradox (world-class spinning but poor fabric quality) is a high-value point many students miss.