Seven Indian Products, Including Four from Rajasthan, Awarded Geographical Indication Tags
In a proud moment for India's rich cultural heritage, seven products from different regions of the country have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. Among the seven products, four hailed from the culturally vibrant state of Rajasthan. These GI tags serve as a recognition and protection of the unique traditional knowledge and craftsmanship associated with these products.
Crafts of Rajasthan Awarded GI Tags
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| Seven products of the country got Geographical indication including four products of Rajasthan |
1. Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft:
The Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft is an exquisite art form involving the ornamentation of weapons through a complex process of design preparation, heating, and cooling. The craftsmen skillfully adorn the weapons with intricate patterns, giving them a distinct and regal appearance.
2. Bikaner Embroidery Craft:
The Bikaner Embroidery Craft, also known as "Kashidakari Craft," is a traditional craft practiced on cotton, silk, or velvet fabrics. It involves using a variety of fine stitches and mirror-work to create stunning and intricate designs.
3. Jodhpur Bandhej Shilp:
The Jodhpur Bandhej Shilp is a renowned Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing textiles. Bandhej, or tie-dye, is a popular textile art form in Rajasthan, where craftsmen use cotton thread to tie the cloth before dyeing it, resulting in beautiful and colorful patterns.
4. Bikaner Usta Kala Shilpa:
Bikaner Usta Kala Shilpa, also known as gold carving or gold manauti, is characterized by the prominence of golden colors. The skilled artisans of the Dapgar community meticulously process and mold untreated raw camel skin to create stunning leather artwork.
Other GI Tags Awarded
Apart from the crafts of Rajasthan, three other products from different regions received GI tags:
1. Goan Mankurad Mango:
Known by various names like Malcorada, Cardozo Mankurad, Corrado, and Goa Mankur, the Goan Mankurad Mango has a unique taste. Interestingly, the fruit was named "malcorada" by the Portuguese, meaning "poorly colored."
2. Goan Bebinca:
Often referred to as the "Queen of Goan Desserts," Goan Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding. It is a delicacy made with layers of coconut milk, egg, sugar, ghee, and flour, creating a rich and delectable dessert.
3. Jalesar Metal Crafts:
Located in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, Jalesar is known for its metal crafts, including ghungroos (ankles), bells, and other decorative metal items made from brass. These intricate metal crafts reflect the artistic brilliance of the craftsmen in the region.
Preserving India's Cultural Heritage
The awarding of GI tags to these products is a testament to the unique cultural diversity and traditional knowledge found in various regions of India. It not only brings recognition and pride to the craftsmen and communities behind these products but also serves as a means of protecting and preserving their centuries-old artistic traditions for future generations.
Through GI tagging, these products gain a distinct identity and enjoy legal protection against imitation and misuse. This initiative fosters economic growth by promoting local artisans and encouraging tourism, as people from around the world are drawn to experience and cherish India's vibrant cultural heritage firsthand.
Conclusion
The recent granting of Geographical Indication tags to seven products, including four from Rajasthan, celebrates India's rich artistic traditions and craftsmanship. These GI tags not only recognize the uniqueness of these products but also safeguard the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage of the regions they hail from. As India moves forward, preserving and promoting its diverse cultural heritage is crucial for fostering a sense of pride and identity among its people and attracting global admiration for its timeless treasures.
FAQs
1. What are Geographical Indication (GI) tags?
- Geographical Indication (GI) tags are indicators used to identify and protect unique products originating from a specific geographical region. They promote traditional knowledge and craftsmanship while preventing misuse and imitation.
2. How many products from Rajasthan were awarded GI tags?
- Four products from Rajasthan, namely Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Embroidery Craft, Jodhpur Bandhej Shilp, and Bikaner Usta Kala Shilpa, were awarded GI tags.
3. What is the significance of the Goan Mankurad Mango's Portuguese name "malcorada"?
- The Portuguese name "malcorada" means "poorly colored," reflecting the appearance of the fruit. However, the mango is renowned for its unique taste and quality.
4. What is the specialty of Goan Bebinca?
- Goan Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding made with layers of coconut milk, egg, sugar, ghee, and flour, resulting in a rich and delectable dessert.
5. Where are the Jalesar Metal Crafts known for?
- Jalesar, located in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its metal crafts, including ghungroos, bells, and other decorative metal items made from brass. These intricate metal crafts reflect the artistic brilliance of the craftsmen in the region.
