Q1. [4] deep exam-ready
Study the following information and answer the questions that follow:
The cotton textile industry is self-reliant and complete in the value chain — from raw material to the highest value-added products. In the early years, it was concentrated in the cotton-growing belts of Maharashtra and Gujarat. While spinning continues to be centralised in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, weaving is highly decentralised to incorporate traditional skills and designs. India has world-class production in spinning, but weaving supplies low-quality fabric as it cannot fully utilise the high-quality yarn produced domestically.
(i) What does 'complete in the value chain' mean in the context of the cotton textile industry? (1)
(ii) Why was the cotton textile industry originally concentrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat? State any two reasons. (1)
(iii) What is the contradiction in India's cotton textile industry regarding spinning and weaving, and what could be a possible consequence? (2)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:34 · grounding rag
Model Answer
(i) 'Complete in the value chain' means the cotton textile industry covers every stage of production — from raw cotton (raw material) to finished garments (highest value-added products) — without depending on any external industry.
(ii) The cotton textile industry was concentrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat because:
- Both states were cotton-growing regions, ensuring easy availability of raw material.
- Factors like moist climate, accessible port facilities, labour and transport further favoured localisation.
(iii) The contradiction is that India has world-class production in spinning, yet weaving supplies only low-quality fabric. This happens because weaving is highly decentralised and cannot fully utilise the high-quality yarn produced domestically. A possible consequence is that India loses potential export earnings and cannot capture higher value-added markets in finished fabric.
Source: Textile Industry, chapter 6
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Explanation
- (i) Focus on the phrase "raw material to highest value-added products" from the passage — that is the definition examiners expect.
- (ii) Two reasons are enough for 1 mark — pick any two from: raw cotton availability, moist climate, port facilities, labour, transport/market.
- (iii) This is 2 marks — clearly state the contradiction (world-class spinning vs. poor weaving quality) AND give a consequence (lost export value / inability to use domestic yarn). Both parts are needed for full marks.