NCERT Class 7 Economics — Chapter 1: A Shirt in the Market

mcqeasy

In the context of the textile industry, the term “powerloom” refers to:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AAn electrically operated loom used for weaving.
BA device for printing designs on cloth.
CA machine used for picking cotton.
DA hand-operated weaving device.

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

An electrically operated loom used for weaving.

Explanation

The textile industry is broadly classified into three sectors based on the technology and energy source used for weaving: the Handloom sector, the Powerloom sector, and the Mill sector. The distinction lies primarily in the mode of operation-manual versus mechanized.

Detailed Analysis

A hand-operated weaving device. is incorrect: A weaving device operated by manual labor is defined as a handloom. It does not utilize electrical power for the weaving motion.
An electrically operated loom used for weaving. is correct: A powerloom is a mechanized loom powered by electricity or other non-human power sources. It automates the weaving process, allowing for higher production speeds and volume compared to handlooms. The powerloom sector in India is predominantly decentralized and falls largely within the Small and Medium Enterprises category.
A machine used for picking cotton. is incorrect: A machine used for picking cotton is a mechanical harvester or cotton picker, utilized in the agricultural phase rather than the manufacturing (weaving) phase.
A device for printing designs on cloth. is incorrect: Devices used for printing designs on cloth belong to the textile processing and finishing stage, not the weaving stage.

Key Takeaway: The term “powerloom” specifically denotes a weaving machine driven by electric power, as opposed to a handloom which is operated manually.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: A Shirt in the Market

Consider the following statements regarding cotton cultivation: 1. Cotton harvesting takes time as the bolls do not burst all at once. 2. Cotton cultivation requires minimal inputs and no fertilizers. 3. Small farmers often borrow money from local traders to meet the heavy expenses of cultivation. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the 'putting-out system' in the weaving industry: 1. The weavers purchase the yarn themselves from the open market. 2. The weavers are paid for their work by the merchant. 3. The finished cloth is collected by the merchant from the weavers. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the advantages of the putting-out system for weavers: 1. Weavers do not have to spend their money on the purchase of yarn. 2. The weavers are responsible for selling the finished cloth in distant markets. 3. Weavers have complete autonomy to set the market price for the cloth. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

With reference to Weaver’s Cooperatives, consider the following 1. They are formed to reduce dependence on the merchant. 2. In a cooperative, each weaver procures yarn individually from the market. 3. The cooperative also plays a role in marketing the finished cloth. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

Which of the following best describes the function of a 'Ginning mill'?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is

An electrically operated loom used for weaving.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis

A hand-operated weaving device. is incorrect: A weaving device operated by manual labor is defined as a handloom. It does not utilize electrical power for the weaving motion.
An electrically operated loom used for weaving. is correct: A powerloom is a mechanized loom powered by electricity or other non-human power sources. It automates the weaving process, allowing for higher production speeds and volume compared to handlooms. The powerloom sector in India is predominantly decentralized and falls largely within the Small and Medium Enterprises category.
A machine used for picking cotton. is incorrect: A machine used for picking cotton is a mechanical harvester or cotton picker, utilized in the agricultural phase rather than the manufacturing (weaving) phase.
A device for printing designs on cloth. is incorrect: Devices used for printing designs on cloth belong to the textile processing and finishing stage, not the weaving stage.

Key Takeaway: The term “powerloom” specifically denotes a weaving machine driven by electric power, as opposed to a handloom which is operated manually.