Geographical Indication certification for 5 traditional products in Rajasthan

Geographical Indication Tag :-

A geographical indication is a label placed on items that have a specific geographical origin and also have traits or a reputation that stem from that origin. The use of Geographical Indication labels on these items not only highlights their distinctiveness, but it also protects the traditional knowledge and craftsmanship associated with them as a shield . It guarantees that these cultural riches thrive and are recognised not only in India but also on a global scale.

Geographical Indication  in Rajasthan:-

Rajasthan is famed for its distinctive handicrafts, textiles, and gastronomic pleasures, as well as its brilliant colours and rich cultural heritage. The government of India introduced the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to conserve and promote the cultural relevance and distinctiveness of certain items. The GI tag is a symbol used on items that have a specific geographical origin and have traits or a reputation that are due to that origin.

Rajasthan is a northern Indian state known for its culture, history, and art. The state’s handicrafts, textiles, and agricultural goods are distinctive to its terrain and cultural heritage. The Government of India has issued the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to numerous Rajasthan products in order to promote and preserve their intellectual property rights. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a symbol used to identify a product as coming from a specific place and having distinct qualities related to the topography, climate, or cultural practises of that region. The GI label is crucial not only for protecting and marketing Rajasthan’s unique products, but also for increasing the region’s economy by establishing a market niche for these products. In this post, we will examine at some of the Rajasthan items that have received the GI label and their significance in the region’s economic and cultural history.

Recent GI Tag of Rajasthan:-

1. Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft:-

Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft in Rajasthan manufactures finely ornamented weaponry. This lovely artwork is made by etching intricate motifs onto metal, adding gold and silver wires into the metal, and then delicately polishing it to perfection. The fundamental goal of this technique is to embellish weapons, giving them a regal and aesthetic appearance.

2. Bikaner Kashidakari Craft:-

Bikaner Kashidakari Craft specialises in fine stitching for special events. It is generally made of cotton, silk, or velvet and features delicate stitches and enthralling mirror-work. This craft is frequently used for wedding-related products, particularly gift items. The mirrors employed in the craft are thought to protect against the “evil eye” because of their reflective surfaces. This art style is preserved and practised by the talented Meghwal community in Bikaner and surrounding territories.

3. Jodhpur Bandhej Craft:-

Bandhej, a well-known textile art form in Rajasthan, is the Rajasthani technique of tying and dyeing. This method includes producing patterns or motifs on fabrics by tying them with threads and then dying them in different colours. To tie the fabric, cotton thread is expertly employed, resulting in beautiful patterns and decorations. Fabrics like Cotton, silk, wool, or synthetic , as well as sarees, dupattas, skirts, scarves, and other items, can be used for this method.

4. Bikaner Usta Kala Craft:-

Due to its constant golden colour, the Bikaner Usta Kala Craft, also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work, demonstrates inventive camel leather artistry. This one-of-a-kind art form requires processing raw camel hide and expertly moulding it into a variety of goods. The brilliant Dapgar group of leather artisans upholds this tradition with finesse. It is a type of painting in which gold or silver foil is used to create elaborate motifs on various materials such as wood, metal, marble, ivory, and leather.

5.Pichwai kala of Nathdwara:-

India’s indigenous art and culture are well-known around the world. The Indian Subcontinent is rich in Folk Arts and Crafts. Pichwai, a mesmerising art form from Nathdwara, Rajasthan, is one such example. Nathdwara is a holy town in the Indian state of Rajasthan’s Udaipur district. Nathdwara is a globally recognised shrine with devotees from all over the world. Pichwai immediately draws the attention of the worshippers.

Pichwai is a narrative of Shrinathji, another incarnation of Lord Krishna who holds the Govardhan hill. There is a fascinating backstory behind the story. The residents of Vrindavan were subjected to Lord Indra’s (Lord of the Heavens) wrath in the form of strong thunderstorms and rainfall. Lord Krishna came to the rescue from then on. On his little finger, he raised Govardhan Hill, popularly known as Govardhan Parvat.  Lord Krishna lifted the hill known as Govardhan on his little finger, and all the people of Vrindavan sought refuge beneath it. Following that, Lord Indra realised his error and halted the affliction. People have been worshipping Govardhan Hill since that time.

A normal Pichwai has 24 Swaroops around it. Each one has a Krishna, Gopis, and other aspects. Shrinathji’s intricate Shringar is mesmerising. Pichwai is bustling with activity, but it never feels crowded. Pichwai is a stunning example of aesthetic balance and elegance. The Pichwai’s colours and brilliance are its USPS. The use of brilliant natural colours on cloth or paper exudes a sense of romance that speaks for itself.

In Rajasthan, NABARD is promoting the farm and off-farm sectors through skill development programmes, Geographical Indication , promotion of farm and off-farm producer organisations, farmer exposure tours, and improvement of watersheds and wadis for tribal people.

The Geographical Indications (GI) badge has been granted for five traditional Rajasthani artworks:- Jodhpur Bandhej work, Udaipur’s Koftagiri Metal Craft, Rajsamand’s Nathdwara Pichhwai craft, Bikaner’s Usta Kala, and Bikaner’s Hand embroidered art.

Dr.Rajiv Siwach, Chief General Manager, stated that NABARD is supporting the project for GI registration of five products in order to conserve the integrity of fading artworks. Because of their income levels, this project will empower local communities. He stated that the project will protect the state’s traditional knowledge and cultural manifestations by providing end-to-end support.

It is also stated that these GIs will play a vital part in rural off-farm development, acting as product differentiators, assisting with brand creation, creating local employment, developing a regional brand, generating spin-off effects in tourism and cuisine, and conserving biodiversity.

This will increase product quality, market access, raise awareness, and develop the capacity of producers to assert their rights.

In Rajasthan, NABARD is promoting and developing  the farm and off-farm sectors through skill development programmes, Geographical Indications , promotion of farm and off-farm producer organisations, farmer exposure tours, and improvement of watersheds and wadis for tribal people.