According to the passage on Paola Manfredi’s book, what makes “Chikankari – A Lucknawi Tradition” particularly interesting?

Introduction / Context:
This question again focuses on the nature of Paola Manfredi’s book “Chikankari – A Lucknawi Tradition”. The passage contrasts her work with more conventional academic books that rely heavily on second-hand references and quotations. It explains why her book stands out and is considered especially interesting. The answer hinges on the description of her narrative style and research approach, which emphasise first-hand, grass-roots experience and a personal journey rather than purely theoretical analysis.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage states that Paola’s book does not rely mainly on second-hand material. • Instead, it says she has filled her book with “passionate grass-roots level research”. • It also notes that the narrative is “more in the nature of a personal journey, with all the quirks and street-smart practicality”. • The question asks what makes the book interesting, with several plausible-sounding options.

Concept / Approach:
The passage clearly indicates that the book’s special appeal lies in its personal, experience-based perspective. It is grounded in Paola’s own fieldwork and observations at the grass-roots level, rather than being a distant or purely academic account. The phrase “personal journey” combined with “grass-roots level research” directly supports the idea that the book is rooted in personal experience and observation. Therefore, the option “It is based on personal experience and observation” best captures this description. The other options add details not explicitly given—such as covering all types of designs, being heavily illustrated, or the author’s foreignness—which may or may not be true but are not stated as the main reason for the book’s interest.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Focus on the sentences that explain why the book is “extremely interesting”. 2. Note that it is contrasted with books that rely on second-hand material and exhaustive references. 3. Observe that the passage highlights her “passionate grass-roots level research” and “personal journey” style of narrative. 4. Match this description with the options and see that it aligns with “based on personal experience and observation”. 5. Select that option as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Testing each option against the passage: the text does not claim that the book contains “all types of chikan designs”, so that option cannot be verified from the given information. While the book might include illustrations, the passage does not attribute its special interest to illustrations alone. The fact that it is written by a foreigner may be noteworthy, but the passage emphasises research approach and narrative style rather than the author’s nationality. In contrast, the emphasis on grass-roots research and a personal journey directly supports the idea of experience-based, observational work. Therefore, the first option is the only one clearly grounded in the passage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• “It contains all types of chikan designs” is not explicitly claimed in the passage; the focus is on documentation and research methods. • “It is illustrated to highlight the beauty of the art” may or may not be true, but it is not given as the core reason for the book’s interest. • “The fact that it has been written by a foreigner” is not presented as the key factor; the text stresses her research style, not her nationality.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose options that sound impressive or that they personally find interesting, such as “written by a foreigner” or “contains all designs”. However, reading-comprehension questions must be answered based only on what the passage actually says. Look for direct explanations that match the wording “what makes the book extremely interesting”. Here, the author clearly points to Paola’s grass-roots research and personal-journey narrative as the main reasons, so the answer must reflect those aspects rather than any inferred details.

Final Answer:
The book is particularly interesting because it is based on personal experience and observation, expressed through grass-roots research and a personal journey narrative.