Identify the central theme of the passage.

Concept

A passage’s central theme is the broad idea that unifies its repeated details.

To identify it, track the subject named throughout the passage and choose the title that covers all major points without becoming broader or narrower than the text.

Application

1. Note the repeated subject: the passage begins by defining handicraft as processing materials by hand with hand tools.

2. It develops that subject through materials, traditional and modern models, preservation of cultural heritage, artisans’ knowledge, and manual skills.

3. All these details belong to one topic—Indian handicrafts—rather than inventions, design in general, or architecture.

Contrast and cross-check

• ‘Inventions of India’ shifts the focus to discoveries and technological innovation, which the passage does not discuss.

• ‘Creations and designs of India’ is broader than the passage because the discussion is specifically about hand-made craft traditions.

• ‘Architecture of India’ narrows the focus to buildings, which are not the subject developed in the passage.

• ‘Handicrafts of India’ covers the definition, materials, artisans, skills, and cultural transmission described throughout.

As a cross-check, place ‘Handicrafts of India’ above the passage as its title: every major detail fits under it, while the other titles leave central details unexplained.

Result

Therefore, the central theme is ‘Handicrafts of India’.