Geographical Indications (GI Tag): Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, Banglar Muslin, and More

March 4, 2024

GS Paper III Indian Economy

Context:

Recently, Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, Banglar muslin, Narsapur crochet lace products and Kutch rogan craft are among those given the Geographical Indication tag.

About Geographical Indication (GI):

Meaning: A Geographical Indications tag is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical region and having a distinctive quality or reputation.
Prohibition: It prevents its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards.
- However, it does not enable the holder to prevent someone from making a product using the same techniques as those set out in the standards for that indication.
Applicability: It is used for Agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Validity: 10 years
Granted by: Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.
Legal Framework:
- Agreement on TRIPS at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) governs GI.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India

Product	Origin	Description
Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree)	Cuttack, Odisha	Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree): In Odia, ‘Tarakasi’ is a combination of two words: ‘Tara’ (wire) and ‘Kasi’ (design). The artisans transform silver bricks into thin fine wires (known as “tara” or foils). These delicate silver wires are then meticulously woven and shaped into intricate designs to create filigree jewellery and decorative pieces.
Narasapur crochet lace products	Narsapur,Andhra Pradesh	It is known for its intricate craftsmanship, unique designs and good quality crochet craft.
Banglar Muslin	West Bengal	This finest sort of muslin is made of cotton, which are spun to create threads that maintain tensile strength at counts (above 300 counts and up to 600 counts) i.e. higher than any other cotton products.
Ratlam Riyawan Lahsun (Garlic)	Madhya Pradesh.	It has higher oil content and bold flavours than the other varieties.
Ambaji White Marble	Gujarat	It is highly calcic and is produced in a town called Ambaji (famous for its temple of Durga Devi). The marble has a very soft and waxy look. It is often used by sculptors as the marble is amenable to carving.
Majuli Mask of Assam	Assam	Majuli mask of Assam are made in different variety and sizes as they are mainly divided into different categories: ‘Mukha bhaona’ face mask covers the face, ‘Lotokoi’ hanging mask which is bigger in size extends to the chest and, ‘Cho Mukha’ is a huge mask that is a head and body mask.
Assam Majuli Manuscript Paintings	Assam	It illustrates numerous stories and chapters taken from the great Hindu epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and above all subjects from the Bhagavata Purana.

Additional Reading: Geographical Indication Tag

News Source: The Hindu

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