Question

Shaphee Lanphee is a traditional textile of:

• A. \( \text{Mizoram} \)
• B. \( \text{Meghalaya} \)
• C. \( \text{Manipur} \)
• D. \( \text{Nagaland} \)

Hint:

The Shaphee Lanphee is unique because the base fabric is woven on a loom, but the motifs are entirely hand-embroidered by women. It has been granted Geographic Indication (GI) status for Manipur.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The North-Eastern states of India have rich handloom traditions, each with specific textiles that carry deep social and cultural status.

Step 1: Identify the origin and use.
Shaphee Lanphee is a traditional shawl from Manipur. Historically, it was a "warrior's shawl" gifted by the Meitei kings to brave soldiers as a mark of honor and valor.

Step 2: Describe the motifs.
The shawl is black with a red border and features striking embroidered motifs of the sun, moon, stars, horses, and elephants. Each motif has a specific symbolic meaning related to the power and cosmology of the Meitei people.