Over 60 products from across India earn GI tags

April 1, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN Topics

Over 60 products from across India earn GI tags

Subject: History

Section: Art and culture

Introduction

A landmark achievement has been recorded as over 60 products from across India, including the renowned Banaras Thandai, have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tags. This unprecedented move marks a significant recognition of India’s diverse and rich heritage of traditional and historic products.

Key Highlights

Broad Spectrum of GI Tags: This recent batch of GI tags encompasses a wide range of products, from traditional crafts in Assam like Asharikandi terracotta and Sarthebari metal craft to the famous Banarasi Thandai.
Significant Increase in Applications: It is the first instance of such a large number of products being awarded GI tags simultaneously, highlighting an increasing trend of states applying for GI tags to recognize their unique products.

Assam’s Rich Heritage:

Six traditional crafts received GI tags: These include Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka craft, Sarthebari metal craft, Jaapi (bamboo headgear of rural Assam), Mishing handloom products, and the Bihu dhol.
Thirteen other products from Assam: Bodo Dokhona, the traditional attire of Bodo women; and Bodo Eri silk, referred to as the fabric of peace or ahimsa (non-violence), which comes from the silkworm Samia ricini that feeds mostly on the leaves of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), and cassava.
- Bodo Jwmgra (a traditional scarf), Bodo Gamsa (traditional dress of Bodo men), Bodo Thorkha (a musical instrument), and Bodo Sifung (a long flute) are also, on the list.

Asharikandi terracotta craft

In India, the single largest cluster where both Terracotta and Pottery crafts are found and practiced in traditional way is Asharikandi (Madaikhali) craft village. Due to the factors of production, the product-quality of one place varies from that of another. Weather is a key factor and plays a major role in Terracotta-production. The main raw material for pottery and terracotta craft is Hiramati, a special type of soil. The quality of Hiramati varies from place to place. The quality of Hiramati and artistic skill determine the quality of Terracotta and Pottery products.

Banaras’ Unique Offerings:

Culinary and Craft Recognition: Banaras, known for its spiritual and historical significance, has seen several of its products like Banaras Thandai, Banaras Tabla, Banaras Shehnai, Banaras Lal Bharwamirch and Banaras Lal Peda.

Banaras Thandai

It is a drink made by blending milk with a nutritious mix of nuts, seeds and spices
Traditional Banarasi Thandai shops in areas such as Gaudaulia Chowk, Lahurabir, and the old lane of Pakka Mahal attract large crowds.
The drink was first introduced many centuries ago as an offering to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath deity on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, Rangbhari Ekadasi, and Holi.

Recognition for Tripura and Meghalaya:

Tripura: It has secured GI tags for Pachra-Rignai, a traditional dress, and Matabari Peda, a sweet delicacy, marking the state’s presence on the cultural map of India.
Meghalaya: Its Meghalaya Garo Textile, Lyrnai Pottery, and Chubitchi, integral to the state’s socio-cultural and religious fabric, have also received GI tags.

It is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regard to its special quality or reputed attributes.
It is a mark of authenticity and ensures that registered authorized users or at least those residing inside the geographic territory are allowed to use the popular product names.
GI tag in India is governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).
A GI tag can be filed in international fora only when one has GI laws in their country.
GI is a tag on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess certain qualities due to that origin and are safeguarded by legalities such as by the World Intellectual Property Organisation.