Gauri Malik | Updated: May 4, 2023 23:27 IST
West Bengal is a state in eastern India that is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique cuisine, and diverse handicrafts. One way in which the state’s artisans and manufacturers have been able to protect and promote their products is through the use of Geographical Indication (GI) tags. A GI tag is a type of intellectual property that identifies a product as originating from a particular region or locality, and possessing unique qualities and characteristics that are a result of its geographical origin. In this article, we will explore the various products from West Bengal that have been granted GI tags and how this has helped to increase their recognition and marketability both within India and internationally.
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an essential tool that has been utilized by various states in India to safeguard and promote their indigenous products. West Bengal, being a state with a rich cultural and traditional heritage, has recognized the value of GI tags for its unique and distinctive products. The GI tag acts as a legal safeguard that helps to prevent unauthorized use, misuse, or duplication of a product. It also ensures that the product’s quality and authenticity are maintained, protecting the interests of both the producers and the consumers. In addition, the GI tag has helped to create a distinct identity for West Bengal’s products, making them more recognizable and marketable both nationally and internationally. Overall, the GI tag has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting West Bengal’s traditional products and enhancing their economic value.
West Bengal has been successful in securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for several of its unique products. Darjeeling Tea, one of the most famous products from West Bengal, was the first to receive a GI tag in 2004. Bankura Horse, a terracotta horse figurine, was also granted the GI tag in 2008. Nakshi Kantha, a traditional quilt made from old saris and dhotis, received the GI tag in 2016. Bardhaman Sitabhog and Mihidana, two famous sweets from the Bardhaman district, were granted GI tags in 2018 along with Murshidabad Silk, Fazli Mango, and Joynagar Moa. These GI tags have helped in creating a unique identity for these products and have also aided in protecting their authenticity and quality.Here is a list of the GI tagged products from West Bengal:
| Product Name | GI Tag Year |
| Darjeeling Tea | 2004 |
| Bankura Horse | 2008 |
| Nakshi Kantha | 2016 |
| Bardhaman Sitabhog | 2018 |
| Bardhaman Mihidana | 2018 |
| Murshidabad Silk | 2018 |
| Fazli Mango | 2018 |
| Joynagar Moa | 2018 |
Several unique products from West Bengal are being examined for Geographical Indication (GI) tags.Kalimpong Cheese, a unique cheese made from cow or yak milk, is being examined for a GI tag under the name “West Bengal Kalimpong Cheese”. Darjeeling Orthodox Tea, a type of tea that is manufactured using traditional methods, is proposed to be granted a GI tag under the name “Darjeeling Traditional Orthodox Tea”. Shantiniketan Leather Goods, which includes a wide range of leather products such as bags, wallets, and footwear, may be granted a GI tag under the name “Shantiniketan Leather Craft”. Bengal Patachitra, a traditional scroll painting that is made on cloth or paper, is proposed to be granted a GI tag under the name “Bengal Scroll Painting”. Krishnanagar Clay Dolls, which are traditional clay dolls made in the town of Krishnanagar, may be granted a GI tag under the name “Krishnanagar Clay Toys”. Finally, Malda Mango, a variety of mango that is grown in the Malda district of West Bengal, is being examined for a GI tag under the name “Malda Fazli Mango”. The GI tag will help in creating a distinct identity for these products and will also aid in protecting their authenticity and quality. Here are some of the products that are currently under consideration:
| Product Name | Proposed GI Tag |
| Kalimpong Cheese | West Bengal Kalimpong Cheese |
| Darjeeling Orthodox Tea | Darjeeling Traditional Orthodox Tea |
| Shantiniketan Leather Goods | Shantiniketan Leather Craft |
| Bengal Patachitra | Bengal Scroll Painting |
| Krishnanagar Clay Dolls | Krishnanagar Clay Toys |
| Malda Mango | Malda Fazli Mango |
The most recent Geographical Indication (GI) tag granted to a product from West Bengal is “Kantha Stitch Saree”. It was granted the GI tag on 15th March 2021. Kantha Stitch Saree is a traditional saree that is made using the kantha embroidery technique. It is a type of hand-stitched embroidery that originated in Bengal and is used to create intricate designs and patterns on sarees, dupattas, and other garments. The Kantha Stitch Saree is a unique product that showcases the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal. The GI tag will help in protecting the authenticity and quality of the product and will also aid in promoting it both nationally and internationally. With this recent GI tag, West Bengal now has a total of 9 products with GI tags, which includes Darjeeling Tea, Bankura Horse, Nakshi Kantha, and others.
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a form of intellectual property right that is used to protect unique products that are associated with a specific geographical region. It is a legal recognition that is granted to products that have a unique quality, reputation, or other characteristic that is closely linked to their geographical origin.