Part of: Jammu And Kashmir Gk set 20

Write the name of the animal from which wool for pashmina shawls is obtained.

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Hint: Consider the specific breed of goats known for their fine wool.

Correct Answer: B) Kashmiri goats.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Pashmina shawls are a traditional and highly valued textile product, particularly associated with the Kashmir region of India. The wool used to make these shawls is known for its exceptional softness and warmth, which is due to the specific breed of goats from which it is sourced.

The term "pashmina" refers to the fine wool that comes from the undercoat of the Changthangi or Pashmina goat, which is a specific breed of goat native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas, particularly in the regions of Kashmir, Ladakh, and Tibet. These goats are well-adapted to the harsh, cold climate of the Himalayas, and their wool is naturally fine and soft, making it ideal for the production of high-quality shawls and other textiles.

The wool from these goats is collected through a process called combing, which is done by hand during the spring season when the goats naturally shed their winter coat. The wool is then sorted, cleaned, and spun into yarn, which is used to weave the pashmina shawls. The process of making pashmina shawls is labor-intensive and requires skilled artisans to produce the intricate designs and patterns that are characteristic of these textiles.

It is important to note that while the term "goat" is generally correct, the specific breed of goat, the Kashmiri goat, is crucial for the production of pashmina wool. Other breeds of goats or animals like yaks do not produce wool of the same quality and fineness as the Kashmiri goats. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the wool for pashmina shawls is obtained from Kashmiri goats.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. Yaks are not the source of wool for pashmina shawls. Yaks are primarily found in the Tibetan Plateau and are used for their meat, milk, and hair, but not for pashmina wool.
  • Option B: This option is correct. Kashmiri goats are the specific breed of goats from which the fine wool used in pashmina shawls is obtained. These goats are native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas and produce a very fine and soft wool.
  • Option C: This option is partially correct but too general. While pashmina wool does come from goats, it is specifically from Kashmiri goats, which are a distinct breed known for their fine wool.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Since Kashmiri goats are the source of pashmina wool, "None of the above" is not the correct answer.

Mnemonic: K for Kashmiri goats, K for pashmina.

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