Help! Carmen Sandiego in Indian Avatar Quiz

Answer: Saree

A saree is simply a long piece of fabric, usually six yards in length, but sometimes also up to nine yards long, that is draped around the female body. Across India, it is worn in different styles based on regional variations. The chest is covered with a tight blouse while a long underskirt is worn below and used to tuck the pleats of the saree.

The other options are all traditional wear from other parts of the world.

Answer: Jodhpurs

Jodhpurs are tight fitting trousers that are worn mainly for horse riding. In England, they are also known as breeches. This style of clothing was inspired by the traditional Indian churidar, a type of pant that fits snugly at the lower leg but is more roomy at the thighs allowing for easier movement. Jodhpurs were popular among the erstwhile Indian royal families during polo matches and other riding activities.

Answer: Marital status

This is a religious tradition among the Hindu women but is also practiced by some Jains. As part of the wedding rituals, the husband fills vermillion powder called "sindoor" in the parting of the wife's hair. This signifies her status as a married woman.

Some married women, especially in rural areas, are never seen without the sindoor, as that indicates widowhood. In cities, it is less common for women to wear it on a regular basis and it may only be used for religious functions or on other occasions.

Answer: Maharashtra

Kolhapuri chappals are named after the region of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. They are handmade out of leather and usually feature a broad strap across the foot and a toe hold for the big toe. Originally produced only in shades of brown, chappals with colourful straps are now available. Modern versions also include a wedge heel for those who want ethnic footwear with a western twist.

Answer: Ghooghat

A ghoonghat is a veil or drape used to cover the face. While wearing a saree, the loose end is pulled to make a ghoonghat. If a ghagra choli is worn (type of skirt and blouse), then a separate drape is used for the ghoonghat. In some conservative regions, women do not show their faces to men who are not related to them. The ghoonghat serves as a cover in these situations.

A choli is tight fitting, bustier like top. Mojris are traditional footwear. A gajra is a garland of flowers worn in the hair.

Answer: Bandhani

The name bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit word "bandh" which means to bind. This term also gave rise to the English word bandana. The fabric is tied into small knots in multiple places and then dyed. This gives a spotted or splotched tie-dye effect. Bandhani style of tie-dye is popular in many parts in western India, major centres being Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The other options are tie-dyed materials from other parts of Asia.

Answer: Embroidery

Chikan also known as chikankari is a style of embroidery. The city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh is considered to be the home of this work. Created by hand, this delicate embroidery can be produced on a variety of fabrics, though it is mostly popular for cotton and muslin suits. Traditionally the embroidery was done with white thread on pastel coloured fabrics.

A salwar suit is popular clothing style on the Indian subcontinent. It consists of a long top called the kameez worn over tight or flared pants called the salwar. A flowing drape called the dupatta is used to cover the upper body for women.

Answer: Lungi

To put it simply, the lungi is like a sarong. The more formal white type is called a dhoti, though dhoti can mean a different type of garment in other parts of the country. The casual type of lungi consists of printed or chequered colourful materials.

The other options are also traditional Indian clothing worn by men. The pagri is a turban, the achkan is a type of jacket and the sherwani is a long coat.

Answer: Zari

Fine threads of gold or silver used in traditional embroidery are called zari. They can be used to create designs on garments like sarees or even on traditional footwear like mojris. The use of zari for embroidery on silk was developed during the Mughal period. However, early references pre-date the Mughals by many years and are found in the Vedas, ancient Hindu texts.

The other options are names of gemstones in Hindi. Kundan is pearl, heera is diamond and neelam is a blue sapphire.

Answer: Nath

The nath is a nose ring. While in modern times, it is common to wear a diamond or other gemstone stud on the nose, traditionally the nose rings were more elaborate. The nath was also part of a woman's wedding jewellery and her social status was reflected in the gems used for the nath.

The kada and choodi are both types of bangles while the mangalsutra is a chain worn by married Hindu women.