Question

Images of traditional products of certain states of India are shown below. Identify the correct set of states to which these belong. Names of the states are in a random sequence. The products are made out of clay, willow/wicker, wood and brass. 

• A. Maharashtra, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh
• B. Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh
• C. Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana
• D. Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana

Hint:

For questions on regional crafts, focus on identifying the most unique item first. In this case, the Dhokra metalwork strongly points to Chhattisgarh, and the willow wicker is characteristic of J & K. Use these strong matches to eliminate incorrect options quickly.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept: 
This question tests general knowledge about the traditional arts and crafts of different Indian states. The task is to match the four products shown with their likely state of origin from the given options. 
Step 2: Detailed Explanation and Product Identification: 
Let's identify each product and its associated craft and region. 
Image 1 (Black Mug): This is a piece of black clay pottery. This style of pottery, often called blackware, is traditionally made by several communities in India. One of the well-known centers is Nagaland, where tribes like the Tangkhul Nagas practice this craft. 
Image 2 (Hand Fan): This is a fan made from woven material, likely willow wicker or bamboo. Jammu & Kashmir is famous for its exquisite willow wicker craftsmanship, used to make baskets, furniture, and other items like this fan. 
Image 3 (Wooden Mallet): A simple wooden object. Many states have woodcraft traditions. Andhra Pradesh is known for its Kondapalli and Etikoppaka wooden toys and crafts. This could be a simple utility or decorative item from this region. 
Image 4 (Brass Crocodile): This is a metal figurine made using the Dhokra technique, which is a form of lost-wax casting. The Dhokra Damar tribes are the traditional metalsmiths of West Bengal and Odisha, but the craft is also extensively practiced in Chhattisgarh and parts of Telangana (formerly Andhra Pradesh). Chhattisgarh is particularly famous for its Dhokra artifacts. 
Step 3: Evaluating the Options: 
The question states the names are in a random sequence. We need to find the option that contains a set of four states that correctly corresponds to the four crafts. 

We have strong links for: Dhokra $\rightarrow$ Chhattisgarh, Willow Wicker $\rightarrow$ Jammu & Kashmir, and Black Pottery $\rightarrow$ Nagaland. 
Let's check which option contains these three states. 
Option (A) contains Nagaland, J & K, and Chhattisgarh. 
Option (B) contains Nagaland, J & K, and Chhattisgarh. 
Options (C) and (D) are missing Nagaland and Chhattisgarh, so they are incorrect. 
The choice is between (A) and (B). The fourth state in (A) is Maharashtra, and in (B) it is Andhra Pradesh. While Maharashtra has its own crafts, the wooden mallet fits well with the woodcraft traditions of Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, the set {Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh} provides a plausible origin for each of the four items. 
Step 4: Final Answer: 
Based on the analysis, option (B) provides the most accurate set of states corresponding to the traditional products shown.