Question

Which of the following statements is/are true?

• A. Lucknow is famous for Chikankari work which is a traditional art of embroidery.
• B. Chikankari literally means embroidery.
• C. It was originally done with a white thread on a white cloth, hence the name 'white embroidery'.
• D. Only the embroidery, with white thread on white cloth, is called chikankari.

Hint:

Distinguish how Chikankari began from how the craft is practised today. Pay special attention to the absolute word only in the last statement.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B, C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires us to evaluate four statements about the traditional Indian embroidery style known as Chikankari and determine which ones are true.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's examine each statement:

• (A) Lucknow is famous for Chikankari work which is a traditional art of embroidery. This statement is true. The city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh is globally renowned as the hub for Chikankari embroidery. It has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status.
  
• (B) Chikankari literally means embroidery. This statement is considered true in a general sense. The word 'Chikan' is believed to be derived from a Persian word 'Chakeen', which means to create delicate patterns on fabric. Thus, it essentially translates to embroidery work.
  
• (C) It was originally done with a white thread on a white cloth, hence the name 'white embroidery'. This statement is true. Traditionally, Chikankari was a form of white-on-white embroidery, created on fabrics like muslin. This classic style is still highly valued.
  
• (D) Only the embroidery, with white thread on white cloth, is called chikankari. This statement is false. The word "Only" makes the statement incorrect. While it originated as white-on-white, modern Chikankari has evolved to include embroidery with colored threads on a variety of colored fabrics to meet contemporary fashion demands. The technique, not the color scheme, defines Chikankari.
  

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements A, B, and C are true, while statement D is false. Therefore, the correct answer includes A, B, and C.

Answer 2

Concept:

• Separate the historical form of an art from the wider form practised today.
• An absolute word such as only can make a statement false when an art has developed beyond its original materials.

Step 1: Establish the place and meaning.
Lucknow is the best-known centre of Chikankari, a traditional embroidery practice.
The term Chikankari is used for this embroidery work. Therefore, statements A and B are true.

Step 2: Check the historical form.
Traditional Chikankari was worked mainly with white thread on fine white fabric. This supports statement C.

Step 3: Compare the historical form with modern practice.
Chikankari is now also made with coloured threads and on coloured fabrics. The stitch technique and style define the craft, so it is not restricted only to white-on-white work.
Therefore, statement D is false.

Final Answer: Statements A, B, and C are true.