Tasar Silk at Republic Day Parade
Jharkhand’s tableau featuring the famed Tasar Silk from the Santhal Pargana region has been selected for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. This recognition highlights the unique contribution of Jharkhand to India's silk industry and its rich cultural heritage.
Why in News?
- Jharkhand is one of 16 states and Union Territories to have its tableau showcased at the Republic Day parade.
- The tableau focuses on the production and significance of Tasar Silk, especially from Dumka and Godda districts.
- This is a step toward promoting Jharkhand’s dominance in the Tasar Silk industry on a national stage.
Key Features of Tasar Silk
Characteristics and Production
- Wild Silk: Unlike Mulberry, Eri, and Muga silks, which can be cultivated indoors, Tasar silk is wild in nature.
- Jharkhand’s Contribution:
- Jharkhand produces 70% of India’s Tasar silk.
- The Santhal Pargana region contributes 40% of the state’s Tasar production.
- Sarihan Variety: The Dumka district is particularly known for the Sarihan variety of Tasar silk.
- Processing Hub: Tasar silk from Jharkhand is transported to Bhagalpur, Bihar, where it is processed into the final product.
Tasar Silk and India’s Silk Industry
Global and National Significance
- Global Stand: India is the second-largest producer of raw silk in the world, after China.
- Silk Varieties in India:
- Mulberry
- Eri
- Muga
- Tasar
- Economic Impact:
- The silk industry is one of India’s largest foreign exchange earners.
- It contributes significantly to the livelihoods of rural communities, particularly in Jharkhand.
Major Silk-Producing States
Apart from Jharkhand, other states contributing to India’s silk production include:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Assam
- Tamil Nadu
- West Bengal
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Bihar
Tasar Silk in Dumka and Godda
- The Santhal Pargana region’s Tasar silk is renowned for its quality and durability.
- The Sarihan variety, found in Dumka, is a premium type of Tasar silk used for creating high-quality textiles.
Key Facts About Tasar Silk
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Region Represented | Santhal Pargana, Jharkhand |
| Key Districts | Dumka, Godda |
| Unique Feature | Wild silk, cultivated in natural forests |
| India’s Rank in Silk Production | Second-largest globally (after China) |
| Jharkhand’s Contribution | 70% of India’s Tasar silk |
| Processing Location | Bhagalpur, Bihar |
Selection Process of Tableaux for Republic Day Parade
- Call for Proposals:
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) invites proposals from all Indian states, Union Territories (UTs), and central government ministries and departments.
- These proposals include detailed sketches, concepts, and a write-up explaining the theme of the tableau.
- Theme Announcement:
- A central theme for the Republic Day parade is announced every year by the MoD.
- Themes are generally aligned with national priorities such as freedom fighters, development programs, cultural heritage, or important anniversaries.
- Submission of Initial Concept:
- States, UTs, and departments submit their ideas as rough sketches or 3D models to the MoD.
- Each tableau proposal must align with the announced theme and showcase India's diversity or achievements.
- Screening and Shortlisting:
- A committee of experts, known as the Expert Committee, is formed. It includes eminent personalities from fields like art, culture, music, and design.
- The committee evaluates the proposals based on artistic quality, thematic relevance, technical feasibility, and cultural representation.
- After review, a limited number of proposals are shortlisted for further consideration.
- Detailed Design and Revisions:
- Shortlisted participants are asked to develop a more detailed design or prototype of their tableau.
- The Expert Committee reviews these models and provides feedback or suggestions for improvements.
- Participants may need to incorporate these suggestions to refine their designs.
- Final Selection:
- The refined designs are evaluated by the Expert Committee, and final selections are made based on merit.
- Only the best proposals, which meet the required standards and align with the central theme, are selected for display in the parade.
- Construction of the Tableau:
- Once selected, states, UTs, and departments start constructing their tableaux.
- Each tableau is designed to be mounted on a mechanized platform and is prepared with attention to detail.
- The construction process involves artists, engineers, and designers to ensure both aesthetic appeal and structural safety.
- Rehearsals:
- A few days before Republic Day, all tableaux are brought to Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) for rehearsals.
- This helps ensure smooth movement and coordination during the parade.
- Display on Republic Day:
- Selected tableaux are showcased during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
- Each tableau is accompanied by a brief commentary explaining its theme, and they are presented in the presence of dignitaries, including the President of India.
- Recognition and Feedback:
- Post-parade, the best tableau is often awarded by the government based on creativity, presentation, and relevance to the theme.
This rigorous selection process ensures that the Republic Day parade showcases India's unity, diversity, and achievements on a global stage.
Related Questions for JPSC Aspirants
- Which of the following states is the leading producer of Tasar Silk in India?
- (a) Assam
- (b) Karnataka
- (c) Jharkhand
- (d) Tamil Nadu
- Consider the following statements regarding Tasar Silk:
- It is cultivated indoors, similar to Mulberry silk.
- Jharkhand accounts for 70% of India’s Tasar silk production.
- Tasar silk is transported to Bhagalpur, Bihar, for processing.
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
- Match the following silk varieties with their characteristics:
| Silk Type | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Mulberry | (i) Cultivated indoors |
| Tasar | (ii) Wild silk primarily produced in Jharkhand |
| Muga | (iii) Exclusive to Assam |
Choose the correct code:
- (a) Mulberry - (ii), Tasar - (iii), Muga - (i)
- (b) Mulberry - (i), Tasar - (ii), Muga - (iii)
- (c) Mulberry - (iii), Tasar - (i), Muga - (ii)
- (d) Mulberry - (ii), Tasar - (i), Muga - (iii)
- What makes Tasar Silk unique compared to other silk varieties?
- (a) It is cultivated in natural forests.
- (b) It is the least durable among silks.
- (c) It is produced only in Tamil Nadu.
- (d) It is mainly exported from China.
Jharkhand’s Tasar Silk continues to strengthen its presence as an emblem of cultural and economic significance, now poised to shine on a national platform during the Republic Day parade. This initiative also reinforces the state’s commitment to sustainable and indigenous silk production
Further Reading
- Learn more about India’s GSDP trends: Economic Survey of India
- Explore Jharkhand’s Industrial Policy: Government of Jharkhand
- Skill Development Programs: PMKVY Official Site
- JPSC official Site : https://www.jpsc.gov.in/
Posts related to JPSC on LearnPro’s website:
- JPSC Notes: Access expertly curated notes covering essential topics for both JPSC Prelims and Mains exams.
- 14th JPSC PT Exam Comprehensive Test Series: Enhance your preparation with a structured test series designed to cover all aspects of the JPSC Preliminary Test syllabus, emphasizing Jharkhand-specific topics and current affairs.
- JPSC Notification 2024: Stay informed about the latest updates, including exam dates, eligibility criteria, and vacancy details for the JPSC 2024 examination.
- General Introduction to Jharkhand for JPSC Exam: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Jharkhand’s history, geography, economy, and culture, crucial for the JPSC exam.
Source: Prabhat Khabar
Practice Questions for UPSC
Prelims Practice Questions
- Jharkhand accounts for 50% of India's total silk production.
- The Santhal Pargana region contributes significantly to Jharkhand's Tasar silk.
- Tasar silk is processed primarily in Bhagalpur, Bihar.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- It is the most produced silk in India.
- It is recognized for its wild silk characteristics.
- It has no impact on the state's economy.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tasar Silk and why is it significant to Jharkhand?
Tasar Silk is a type of wild silk produced mainly in the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand, known for its quality and durability. Jharkhand contributes 70% of India’s Tasar silk production, making it a crucial player in the country’s silk industry and cultural heritage.
How does Tasar Silk impact the economy of Jharkhand?
The Tasar silk industry plays a vital role in the economic landscape of Jharkhand by providing livelihoods to rural communities and contributing significantly to the local economy. It is also an important foreign exchange earner for India, enhancing its economic importance.
Describe the process involved in selecting tableaux for the Republic Day parade.
The selection process for the Republic Day tableaux involves a call for proposals from states and UTs, which includes sketches and thematic write-ups. An Expert Committee evaluates these submissions based on artistic quality and cultural representation, subsequently shortlisting the best for final selection and display.
What are the unique characteristics of the Sarihan variety of Tasar Silk?
The Sarihan variety, particularly known in the Dumka district, is recognized for its premium quality, making it ideal for creating high-quality textiles. This variety stands out among other silk types due to its rich texture and vibrant colors derived from local traditional practices.
What role does the processing hub in Bhagalpur play in the Tasar Silk industry?
Bhagalpur serves as a key processing hub for Tasar silk sourced from Jharkhand, transforming it into final products for market consumption. This further enhances the value of raw Tasar silk and integrates the silk supply chain within India’s broader textile industry.
Source: LearnPro Editorial | Economy | Published: 26 January 2024 | Last updated: 10 March 2026
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