Q.72 The leaves used for wrapping tobacco in a ‘bidi’ are….
1. Tea leaves
2. Tendu leaves
3. Cuny leaves
4. Basil leaves
Tendu leaves are the correct choice for wrapping tobacco in bidis.
This is a common question in competitive exams like GATE Life Sciences, testing knowledge of plant uses in Indian agriculture and botany.
Question Breakdown
The query asks: “The leaves used for wrapping tobacco in a ‘bidi’ are….” with options: 1. Tea leaves, 2. Tendu leaves, 3. Cuny leaves (likely a misspelling of “curry” leaves), 4. Basil leaves.
Correct Answer: 2. Tendu leaves
Tendu leaves (from Diospyros melanoxylon, also called tendu or kendu) are thick, elastic, and moisture-retaining, ideal for hand-rolling tobacco into bidis, a traditional South Asian cigarette. They are harvested in summer from central Indian forests, dried for 3-6 days, and provide a distinct flavor. Bidi production supports rural livelihoods, especially for women.
Option Explanations
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Tea leaves: From Camellia sinensis, used for brewing tea beverages, not wrapping; too fragile and flavored for tobacco.
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Tendu leaves: Correct, as explained; sourced from Diospyros melanoxylon trees native to India, licensed by governments for collection.
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Cuny/curry leaves: From Murraya koenigii, aromatic spices in Indian cooking; unsuitable due to thin texture and strong scent.
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Basil leaves: From Ocimum basilicum, culinary herbs or medicines; too soft and perish quickly when rolled.
Article:
Bidis, thin hand-rolled cigarettes popular in India, rely on tendu leaves wrapping tobacco bidi for their signature form. Tendu leaves from the Diospyros melanoxylon tree are harvested, dried, and rolled around sun-cured tobacco flakes, tied with thread. These leaves’ pliability and flavor make them perfect, unlike other options.
Why Tendu Leaves for Bidi Wrapping?
Tendu (or kendu) trees thrive in central India’s forests, with leaves picked in summer for elasticity post-drying. This supports forest communities via government auctions. Bidis originated in the 17th century, cheaper than cigarettes.
| Option | Plant Source | Primary Use | Why Not for Bidi? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea leaves | Camellia sinensis | Tea brewing | Brittle, tea-scented |
| Tendu leaves | Diospyros melanoxylon | Bidi wrappers | Ideal: strong, flavorful |
| Curry leaves | Murraya koenigii | Cooking spice | Thin, aromatic |
| Basil leaves | Ocimum basilicum | Herbs, medicine | Soft, wilts fast |
Exam Relevance for GATE Life Sciences
This MCQ tests botany and economic plants, common in GATE XL (Life Sciences). Tendu links to forestry, agriculture PYQs. Note: Bidis pose health risks like tobacco but highlight plant utility.
