The leaves used as traditional wrappers for bidis (indigenous hand-rolled cigarettes) in India are obtained from which one of the following plants?

Introduction / Context:
In many parts of India, traditional hand rolled cigarettes called bidis are made by wrapping tobacco in specific types of leaves and tying them with thread. Knowing which plant provides these leaves is a common question in general knowledge exams, as it connects botany with socio economic practices. This question asks you to identify the correct plant whose leaves are used as bidi wrappers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question explicitly mentions leaves used as wrappers for bidis.
• The options include Shikakai, Rudraksha, Tendu, Lemongrass, and Neem.
• We assume the context of traditional bidi manufacture in India.
• Only one of these plants is commercially known for its leaves used in bidi making.

Concept / Approach:
The leaves used for making bidis are obtained from the Tendu plant, botanically known as Diospyros melanoxylon, sometimes also called kendu in some regions. These leaves are tough, flexible when cured, and burn slowly, making them suitable as natural wrappers. Other plants in the options serve very different purposes: Shikakai is used as a natural shampoo, Rudraksha is known for its seeds used in prayer beads, lemongrass is used for oil and flavour, and Neem is valued for medicinal and pesticidal properties. Recognising the association of Tendu leaves with bidi rolling leads directly to the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that bidi making uses dried leaves as wrappers instead of paper.Step 2: Identify Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) as the plant specifically cultivated and collected for its leaves in bidi production areas.Step 3: Consider Shikakai, which provides pods used for hair wash, not leaves for wrapping.Step 4: Rudraksha is recognised for its seeds, not leaves, used as religious beads.Step 5: Lemongrass leaves are used mainly for essential oils and flavour, and Neem leaves have medicinal uses but are not standard bidi wrappers.Step 6: Therefore, Tendu is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Economic botany and forestry references on non timber forest products list Tendu leaves as a major minor forest produce in Central and Eastern India. Government forest departments often regulate collection and trade of Tendu leaves specifically for bidi industries. No such references associate Shikakai, Rudraksha, Lemongrass, or Neem primarily with bidi wrapping. This consistent documentation confirms that Tendu leaves are the ones used for making bidis.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Shikakai is used for preparing herbal shampoos and hair care products, not for rolling bidis.Rudraksha is valued for its seeds used in rosaries and jewellery, not its leaves.Lemongrass is cultivated for aromatic oils and as a flavouring agent, not for leaf wrappers.Neem is famous for medicinal uses and biopesticides but its leaves are not standard bidi wrappers.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may choose Neem or Shikakai simply because they are commonly heard plant names in households. Others might guess based on leaf size or hardness without knowing actual industrial use. To avoid mistakes, memorise key economic plants and their uses: Tendu for bidi leaves, Shikakai for hair wash, and so on. This helps in quickly eliminating distractor options in such questions.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Tendu.