Gauri Malik | Updated: May 4, 2023 23:16 IST
Rajasthan, the land of vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage, is known for its unique handicrafts, textiles, and culinary delights. To preserve and promote the cultural significance and uniqueness of these products, the government of India has established the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In this article, we will explore the various products from Rajasthan that have been awarded the GI tag, highlighting their cultural significance and economic impact.
Rajasthan is a state in northern India that is rich in culture, history, and art. The state has a diverse range of handicrafts, textiles, and agricultural products that are unique to its geography and cultural heritage. To promote and protect the intellectual property rights of these products, the Government of India has awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to several products from Rajasthan. The GI tag is a sign used to identify a product as originating from a particular region and possessing unique characteristics due to that region’s geography, climate, or cultural practices. The GI tag is not only important for preserving and promoting the unique products of Rajasthan but also for boosting the economy of the region by providing a market niche for these products. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the products from Rajasthan that have been awarded the GI tag and their importance in the region’s economy and cultural heritage.
The Below table shows the list of products from Rajasthan that have been awarded the GI tag, along with the year in which they received the tag. These products include traditional handicrafts such as Kathputlis and Sanganeri Hand Block Printing, as well as agricultural products like Bikaneri Bhujia and Phulkari. The GI tag ensures that these products are protected and that their unique qualities are preserved for future generations. It also helps to promote the products and the region they come from, boosting the local economy by creating a niche market for these products.
Product | Year of GI Tag |
Blue Pottery of Jaipur | 2008 |
Kathputlis of Rajasthan | 2010 |
Sanganeri Hand Block Printing | 2010 |
Molela Clay Work | 2011 |
Sawai Madhopur’s Gangauri Silver Ornaments | 2011 |
Kota Doria | 2011 |
Marbles of Rajasthan | 2012 |
Bikaneri Bhujia | 2013 |
Rajasthan’s Phulkari | 2013 |
Kota Stone | 2014 |
Bagru Hand Block Printing | 2019 |
The Government of Rajasthan is continuously working towards promoting and preserving its rich cultural heritage and traditional products. To this end, the state government has identified several products that are being examined for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag will help protect the intellectual property rights of these products and promote their unique qualities, which are due to the region’s geography, climate, and cultural practices. Here are some of the products from Rajasthan that are being considered for the GI tag:
The examination process for these products to receive the GI tag is ongoing, and it will take some time before they are awarded the tag. However, the state government’s efforts to promote and protect its cultural heritage through the GI tag are commendable and will help boost the local economy by creating a niche market for these products.
The most recent product from Rajasthan to receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag is the Bagru Hand Block Printing, which was awarded the tag in 2019. Bagru Hand Block Printing is a traditional technique of printing on textiles that originated in the village of Bagru in Jaipur district. The technique involves using wooden blocks to print intricate designs on fabric using natural dyes. Bagru Hand Block Printing is known for its unique designs, colors, and the use of natural dyes, which are made from vegetables, fruits, and minerals.
The GI tag for Bagru Hand Block Printing will help protect the traditional printing technique and promote the unique qualities of the product. It will also help in boosting the local economy by creating a niche market for this product. The GI tag will ensure that only the textiles printed using the traditional technique and natural dyes from the Bagru region can be labeled as Bagru Hand Block Printing, protecting it from imitation and preserving its cultural heritage.
Bagru Hand Block Printing joins the list of other products from Rajasthan that have been awarded the GI tag, such as Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Kota Doria, Marbles of Rajasthan, and Bikaneri Bhujia, among others. These products are not only unique to the region but also contribute significantly to the state’s economy and cultural heritage.