GI recognition for Narasapur crochet lace craft revives hopes of struggling artisan

Subject: History

Section: Art and Culture

Context:

The Narasapur crochet lace craft from the Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh has been awarded the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, revitalizing this traditional craft.

Details:

Conferred by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The craft is centralized around key trading hubs such as Narsapur and Palacole in West Godavari district and Razole and Amalapuram in the Konaseema region.
It supports nearly 15,000 women artisans who specialize in producing lace-based garments, home furnishings, and accessories.
Alankriti Lace Park in Narasapur town is run by the state government.

Tracing the origin:

The Narasapur crochet lace craft, which dates back to 1844, was introduced to local women in the Godavari region by Macrae and his wife, associated with a Christian missionary in Dummugudem (now in Telangana), Scotland.
They facilitated the sale of these products both in India and overseas. Despite challenges like the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929, the craft thrived, involving over 2,000 women by the early 1900s.

History of Narasapur:

The existence of Narsapur dates back to 1173 AD. Dutch people landed in Narsapur in 1626. Narsapur was used as a port by the Dutch and ships and boats were built here.
It was noted for its ship-building activity and some of the Europeans also were customers at this place; small boats are still built in Narsapur.
In the 16th century, Portuguese established their own factory which remained as a trading centre for a few years.
In the 18th century, Narsapur became an important trading port. From this port, teak was exported to other regions. The ports at Kakinada and Narsapuram became famous for manufacturing ships.
At present there is no port handling at Narsapur.
According to Alexander Hamilton’s A New Account of the East Indies (1727):
- “Next to Matchulipatam (Machilipatnam) is Narsipore, where the English had a Factory for long Cloth, for the Use of their Factory of Matchulipatam, when they manufactured Chintz there. It also affords good Teak Timber for building, and has a fine deep River, but a dangerous Bar, which makes it little frequented.”
The trade of the town has steadily declined since the abolition of the company’s factory in 1827.

Source: TH