IASNOVA
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
- Definition: A GI tag is a sign used on products with a specific geographical origin, conferring an assurance of quality and distinctiveness.
- Protection: Ensures only authorized users in the designated region can use the product name, safeguarding against imitation.
- Validity: A GI tag is registered for a period of 10 years.
- Administration: Managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Legal Framework
- Legislation: Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in India.
- International Agreements: Adheres to the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement and acknowledges the Paris Convention’s stipulations on protecting industrial property and geographical indications.
LATEST GI TAGS
Rupa Tarkasi- Odisha
- Rupa Tarakasi: Exquisite silver filigree craft from Cuttack, Odisha, dating back to the 12th century, flourished under Mughal patronage.
- Process: Transforms silver into thin wires/foils for intricate designs, incorporating copper, zinc, cadmium, tin.
- Artisans: Known as “Rupa Banias” or “Roupyakaras”.
- Creations: Jewelry for Odissi dancers, decorative artifacts, accessories, religious/cultural items.
Majuli Masks- Assam
- Majuli Masks: Handmade for bhaonas in neo-Vaishnavite tradition introduced by the 15-16th century reformer saint Srimanta Sankardeva, depict various characters (gods, demons, animals).
- Types: Face-only (mukh mukha) to full body (cho mukha).
- Materials: Bamboo, clay, dung, cloth, cotton, wood.
- Traditional use in sattras, now also contemporary applications.
- Majuli Manuscript Painting: 16th-century bark manuscript art, initiated by Sankardeva, patronized by Ahom kings, still practiced in Majuli’s sattras.
Risa Textiles- Tripura
- It is a handwoven cloth used as a female upper garment and also as headgear, a stole, or a present to express respect.
- It is woven in colourful designs and has a crucial social and religious significance.
- Adolescent Tripuri girls are first given a risa to wear in an event called Risa Sormani, around age 12 to 14.
ODISHA
Kapdaganda Shawl
- Creators: Woven by Dongria Kondh women, a PVTG in Niyamgiri hills, Odisha.
- Significance: Reflects Dongria Kondh tribal heritage.
Lanjia Saura Painting
- Community: Art form of the Lanjia Saura, a PVTG in Rayagada district.
- Style: Exterior murals on mud walls, white on crimson-maroon.
Koraput Kala Jeera Rice
- Variety: Black rice known for its aroma, taste, and nutrition.
- Origin: Preserved by Koraput tribal farmers for 1,000 years.
Similipal Kai Chutney
- Ingredient: Made from red weaver ants.
- Region: Traditional delicacy in Mayurbhanj, including Similipal forests.
Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal
- Features: Prickly thorns, insect-resistant.
- Agriculture: Grown with minimal pesticides.
Odisha Khajuri Guda
- Product: Natural sweetener from date palm.
- Origin: Gajapati district.
Dhenkanal Magji
- Type: Sweet made from buffalo milk cheese.
- Characteristics: Unique in appearance, taste, flavor, shape, and size.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Wancho Wooden Craft
- Community: Integral to Wancho tribes.
- Use: Decoration, gifting, and historical community life aspects.
Adi Kekir
- Product: Ginger variety.
Arunachal Yak Churpi
- Origin: Made from Arunachali yak milk, found in West Kameng and Tawang districts, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Producers: Brokpas, a tribal community skilled in yak husbandry, practicing seasonal migration for yak rearing.
- Benefits: High in protein, essential for nutrition in Arunachal’s harsh mountainous regions.
Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice)
- Variety: Chewy, sticky rice.
- Region: Cultivated in Namsai by Khamti tribal farmers.
Tangsa Textile
- Products: Known for exotic designs and vibrant colors.
- Community: Crafted by the Tangsa tribe in Changlang district, reflecting the area’s cultural richness.
WEST BENGAL
Tangail Saree
- Feature: Distinct weaving patterns.
Garad Saree
- Characteristic: Unique texture and appearance.
Korial Saree
- Recognition: Weaving style and traditional significance.
Kalo Nunia Rice
- Type: Rice variety.
Sundarban Honey
- Product: Honey.
- Source: Sundarbans
GUJARAT
Kachchhi Kharek – Product of date palm harvested at Khalal (fresh stage), which are bold, crisp and sweet.
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Ramban Anardana – Ramban Anardana, locally referred to as Dhruni, is an important fruit tree growing wild in hilly tracts and forests of J&K.
UTTARAKHAND
Uttarakhand Chola, Jhangora, Mandua, Red Rice, Almora Lakhori Chilli, Berinag Tea, Burans Sharbat, Ramnagar (Nainital) litchi, Ramgarh Aadu, Malta, Pahari Tor, Gahath, Kalah Bhatt, Bichhubati Fabric, Nainital Mangbatti, Rangoli Pichoda, Chamoli Raman Masks and Kitai Wood Carving.
GOA
Goa Mankurad Mango
- Variety: Mango from Goa, known as Mankurad, Mancurad, or Alphonso.
- Features: Sweet, juicy, thin-skinned, with a pleasant aroma.
- History: Originally named “malcorada” by the Portuguese.
Goan Bebinca
- Dessert: Layered cake from Goa, made of flour, eggs, coconut milk, sugar, and ghee.
- Cooking: Baked layer-by-layer in an earthen oven.
- Reputation: Known as the “queen of Goan desserts”.
RAJASTHAN
Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft
- Location: Rajasthan.
- Specialty: Ornamented weapons with gold and silver wire inlays.
- Purpose: Artistic enhancement of weapons.
Bikaner Kashidakari Craft
- Craft: Needlework from Bikaner, Rajasthan.
- Materials: Cotton, silk, or velvet with mirror-work.
- Usage: Primarily for wedding-related items.
Jodhpur Bandhej Craft
- Technique: Rajasthani tie-dye textile art.
- Application: Patterns created by tying fabric with threads before dyeing.
- Products: Sarees, dupattas, skirts, scarves.
Bikaner Usta Kala Craft
- Art Form: Camel hide and gold/silver foil craftsmanship from Bikaner.
- Community: Dapgar leather craftsmen.
- Usage: Applied on wood, metal, marble, ivory, and leather surfaces.
UTTAR PRADESH
Jalesar Dhatu Shilp
- Origin: Metal craft from Jalesar, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Artisans: Over 1,200 units, mainly by Thatheras community.
- Products: Decorative items like ghungrus (anklets) and ghantis (bells).
- Amroha Dholak: Musical instrument made of natural wood (mango, jackfruit, and teakwood).
- Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip: Craft made of unique and soft stone, scientifically known as ‘Pyro Flight Stone’.
- Mainpuri Tarkashi: Popular art form of brass wire inlay work on wood, used for making khadaous.
- Sambhal Horn Craft: Handmade craft made from raw material procured from dead animals.
- Baghpat Home Furnishings: Baghpat and Meerut have gained renown for their exceptional handloom home furnishing products, and they have been actively involved in the production of fabrics using cotton yarn for generations. The handloom weaving process exclusively utilizes cotton yarn.
- Barabanki Handloom Product: Barabanki and its neighbouring areas are home to approximately 50,000 weavers and 20,000 looms.
- Kalpi Handmade Paper: Munnalal ‘Khaddari,’ a Gandhian, introduced the craft formally in the 1940s. However, locals believe that Kalpi’s association with paper-making extends even further back in history. Today, the handmade paper-making cluster in Kalpi is a significant hub, involving over 5,000 craftsmen and approximately 200 units.
