Context: The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to seven products from different regions of India.
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.
