Context: The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to seven products from different regions of India.
What is a GI tag?
- Geographical Indications of goods refer to the place of origin of a product. GI tags are a form of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) that convey an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, attributable to the fact of its origin in a specific geographical locality, region or country. E.g., Tirupathi laddu, Nagpur oranges.
- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry awards GI Tag in India.
- A GI registration is given to an area, not a trader, but once a product gets the registration, traders dealing in the product can apply to sell it with the GI logo.
- Any trader’s body, association, or organisation can apply for a GI tag. The applicants need to prove the uniqueness of the item with historical records and a complete breakdown of how the product is made.
- Authorised traders are each assigned a unique GI number.
- The raw materials for such products do not have to come from that region (unless it is an agricultural tag). E.g.,
- Leaf in Banarasi paan is not grown in Varanasi; it comes from Bihar, West Bengal, or Odisha.
- Mulberry silk used in Kancheepuram sarees comes from Karnataka and the gold zari from Surat.
- If any unauthorised trader tries selling the product under that name, they can be prosecuted under The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force in 2003.
- Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of IPRs.
Categories of GI products:
- There are over 500 GI tags as of January 7, 2023. There are 34 classes of products that can get GI tags, ranging from chemicals and paint to foodstuff, handicrafts, musical instruments, firearms, locomotives etc.
- The products in the GI registry fall under five major categories (Chart 1). Handicrafts dominate the list, with over half the GI tags being given to products crafted by skilled artisans.
GI tags across States:
- Every State in India has at least one GI tag which is a proxy for unique cultural items.
- If a State has more GI tags compared to another, it does not necessarily mean that the state is more culturally rich; it just means that more items have been registered.
- Tamil Nadu (61) has the highest number of GI tags compared to other States.
- Uttar Pradesh (56) has the second highest number of GI tags.
- Banaras offers 11 unique crafts and agricultural items (the highest from a single place), including the famous Banarasi paan.
Benefits of GI tags:
- Prevents unauthorised use of GI tag products by others.
- Helps consumers to get quality products of desired traits and is assured of the authenticity.
- Promotes economic prosperity of producers of GI tag goods by enhancing their demand in national and international markets.
About the Products
Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (metal craft)
- Jalesar is located in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and was the capital of Magadha King Jarasandha.
- The metal art of Jalesar is highly esteemed for its intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship, blending elements of both traditional and contemporary styles.
- Skilled artisans employ various techniques such as casting, molding, hammering, engraving, and filigree work to create a diverse array of metal products.
Goa Mankurad mango
- The mango was given the name ‘Malcorada’ by the Portuguese, which translates to ‘poor coloured’.
- Over time, this word evolved into ‘Mankurad’ and in the Konkani language, it came to be known as ‘aamo’ which means mango.
Goan Bebinca
- Bebinca, a traditional Indo-Portuguese dessert, is a type of pudding widely recognized as the ‘Queen of Goan desserts.’
Udaipur Koftgari metal craft
- The ancient art of Koftgari is used to create exquisitely ornamental weaponry.
- This damascene technique involves a complex process of etching designs, heating, and cooling the metal, while also embedding gold and silver wire into the surface.
- Unlike inlaid metal ornamentation, the wire does not sink into the iron; instead, it remains on the surface and is mechanically bound through pressing, burnishing, and polishing.
- After the design is complete, burnishing tools known as Opani are used to push and bind the overlaid silver firmly.
- Lastly, the surface is polished using a hakek stone to achieve the final stunning appearance.
- The term ‘Koftgari’ originates from the Persian and Urdu words 'kuft-gari,' meaning 'beaten work,' and the artisans who practice this art are called 'kuftgars' or gilders.
- Historically, Koftgari was brought to India by Persian craftsmen during the 16th century when they served Mughal rulers.
- The Mughal Emperors, had a significant iron workshop called the Mughal Silehkhana that produced ornamented swords and weapons for the imperial army.
Bikaner Kashidakari craft
- The technique involves printing diverse patterns on fabrics through the tie and dye method.
- The thread used in the embroidery varies from the finest silk to the thickest wool. It is often combined with glass, sequins, and various types of stitches to create rich and detailed patterns, typically worked in chain stitches.
- The embroidery creates a captivating contrast between colours, with dramatic effects achieved through the use of vibrant traditional hues like yellow, black, red, and green.
- Geometric forms are harmoniously balanced with depictions of trees, peacocks, and other motifs.
Jodhpur Bandhej craft
- Bandhej is a popular traditional craft of Rajasthan, with Jodhpur being one of the prominent centres for this art form.
- Bandhej patterns: Dot pattern known as Bandhani, the wave pattern called Leheriya, and even the Japanese motif called Shibori.
- The art of Bandhej is primarily practiced by the skilled women artisans of the Rangrez community, meaning ‘dyer’ in Persian.
- The process starts with preparing the fabric, which is typically cotton or silk. The fabric is thoroughly washed to remove impurities and then dyed in a base colour, often red, blue, green, or yellow.
- Skilled artisans meticulously tie small, tight knots on the fabric using thread, creating various patterns like dots, squares, waves, or stripes.
- After tying the fabric, it is immersed in a dye bath. The areas where the knots are tied resist the dye, resulting in a unique and mesmerizing pattern on the fabric.
Bikaner Usta Kala craft
- The Bikaner Usta Kala craft is also known as gold nakashi work or gold manauti work, owing to the predominant use of golden colour in its exquisite designs, created with actual gold during the earlier periods.
- It is a unique form of miniature painting practiced on metal surfaces.
- The skilled artisans, known as ‘Ustads’, have inherited their craft techniques from their ancestors, and they have diligently preserved this art form through generations.
- The metal surface is first cleaned and polished meticulously, providing a smooth and ideal canvas for the upcoming artwork.
- To impart a distinctive shimmering effect, the designated areas of the artwork are adorned with a layer of gold or silver leaf.
- Employing natural pigments and carefully selected colours, the Ustad adorns the artwork with intricate brushwork, creating a harmonious and vibrant appearance.
- The motifs and themes often draw inspiration from Mughal and Persian influences, showcasing elaborate floral patterns, geometric designs, and captivating scenes from epics and mythology.