Q. Match the following types of crafts with their primary characteristics during the Mughal period:
CraftCharacteristic/Center
1. TextileIndia’s largest manufacturing industry, with Bengal being the leading center for silk and cotton goods.
2. KarkhanasState-run workshops that produced luxury goods exclusively for the Emperor, nobles, and the royal household.
3. MetalworkFamous for the production of sophisticated bronze sculptures, particularly in the Deccan region.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Pair 1: Correct. Textiles (cotton and silk) were the most important manufacture and export item. Bengal was a major hub for raw silk and muslin.
- Pair 2: Correct. Karkhanas were the imperial workshops where highly skilled artisans produced high-quality luxury items (jewellery, weapons, fine garments) under direct state supervision.
- Pair 3: Incorrect. While metalwork (weapons, utensils, etc.) was important, the production of sophisticated bronze sculptures was primarily associated with the Chola dynasty (South India) from an earlier period, not the Mughal era. Mughal metalwork focused more on damascening and Bidri ware (Deccan).
