Gauri Malik | Updated: May 4, 2023 23:26 IST
Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India, is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, exquisite handicrafts, and traditional food items. To protect and promote the unique identity and reputation of these products, the Government of India has introduced the concept of Geographical Indication (GI) tags. A GI tag is a certification that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical region, and possessing unique qualities, reputation, and traditional production methods that are intrinsic to that region. Tamil Nadu boasts of several products that have received GI tags, which have helped to boost the local economy and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore some of the popular GI-tagged products of Tamil Nadu and their significance.
In Tamil Nadu, several products have been recognized with a GI tag, which has helped to protect their traditional knowledge, promote local economy, and preserve cultural heritage.
One of the most famous GI-tagged products of Tamil Nadu is the aromatic and flavorful Madurai Malli. Madurai Malli, also known as Madurai Jasmine, is a fragrant flower that is grown in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. The unique soil, weather, and cultivation methods of the region impart a distinct aroma and flavor to the flower, which has made it popular across the world. The GI tag has helped to protect the traditional knowledge of cultivating Madurai Malli and has given a boost to the local economy.
Tamil Nadu has a rich cultural heritage, and several traditional products of the state have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, which help to protect their authenticity and promote their marketability. The following table provides a list of some popular GI-tagged products of Tamil Nadu:
| Product Name | GI Tag Year | Description |
| Madurai Malli | 2013 | Fragrant flower grown in the Madurai district |
| Thanjavur Paintings | 2007 | Traditional art form depicting Hindu gods and goddesses |
| Kancheepuram Silk Sarees | 2005 | Handwoven silk sarees with unique designs |
| Kovai Kora Cotton Sarees | 2011 | Cotton sarees known for their durability and comfort |
| Sirumalai Hill Bananas | 2016 | Sweet and fragrant bananas grown in the Sirumalai hills |
| Eathomozhy Tall Coconut | 2018 | Tall variety of coconut grown in the Eathomozhy region |
| Virupakshi Hill Banana | 2020 | Sweet and fragrant bananas grown in the Virupakshi hills |
| Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku | 2021 | Traditional brass lamp made in Nachiarkoil |
Tamil Nadu is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional products that have gained recognition worldwide. The examination process for GI tags involves verifying the product’s authenticity, traditional knowledge, and unique characteristics. Once a product is granted a GI tag, it receives legal protection against imitation and misrepresentation, ensuring that only genuine products from the designated region are sold under that name. The GI tag not only helps to preserve the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage but also boosts the local economy by increasing the market value and demand for these unique products.The following table provides a list of some products from Tamil Nadu that are being examined for GI tags:
| Product Name | Status of Application | Description |
| Kodaikanal Malai Poondu | Under Examination | Garlic grown in the Kodaikanal region known for its medicinal properties |
| Salem Mango | Under Examination | Mango grown in Salem district known for its unique taste |
| Madurai Sungudi Saree | Under Examination | Cotton sarees with vibrant colors and geometric designs |
| Thanjavur Dolls | Under Examination | Handmade dolls made with clay and painted with natural colors |
| Vadaseri Jaggery | Under Examination | Traditional jaggery made from sugarcane grown in Vadaseri |
The most recent GI tag granted to a product from Tamil Nadu is for the “Kandangi Saree” in 2022. Kandangi Saree is a cotton saree that is handwoven in Karaikudi and surrounding villages in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. These sarees are known for their vibrant colors, unique designs, and durability. The weavers use traditional pit looms and natural dyes made from leaves, roots, and flowers to create these sarees, which have been a part of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage for centuries. The GI tag for Kandangi Saree will help to protect the traditional knowledge and techniques of the weavers and promote the marketability of this unique product globally.