Preserving Heritage through GI Tags

Context:

The traditional crochet lace craft of Narasapur in Andhra Pradesh, along with Majuli masks and manuscript painting in Assam, has been granted Geographical Indications (GI) tags. These tags play a crucial role in safeguarding these unique crafts against competition and decline, ensuring their cultural significance endures. The GI recognition seeks to rejuvenate and promote these traditional crafts, contributing to the preservation of India’s rich heritage.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Narasapur Crochet Lace Craft:
2. Majuli Masks and Manuscript Painting
3. Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

Narasapur Crochet Lace Craft:

• Originated in 1844, Narasapur’s crochet lace craft faced challenges like the Indian famine (1899) and the Great Depression (1929).
• By the early 1900s, over 2,000 women were engaged in lace crafting in the Godavari region, emphasizing its cultural importance.
• The craft involves transforming thin cotton threads into intricate artefacts using delicate crochet needles.
• Artisans utilize a single crochet hook to create loops and interlocking stitches, producing delicate lace patterns.
• Narsapur’s hand-made crochet industry produces a diverse range of lace products, including garments, home furnishings, accessories, and more.
• Exports reach global markets, with destinations such as the UK, USA, and France.

Majuli Masks and Manuscript Painting:

Majuli Masks:

• Intricately crafted masks made by hand using traditional techniques.
• Traditionally used in bhaonas (religious theatrical performances) to depict characters with devotional messages.
• Masks feature gods, goddesses, demons, animals, and birds, with varied materials such as bamboo, clay, dung, cloth, and wood.
• Sizes range from face coverings to full head and body masks.
• Modernization of Majuli mask-making extends beyond traditional confines to embrace contemporary contexts.
• Predominantly found in four sattras (monasteries) in Majuli.

Majuli Manuscript Painting:

• Form of religious art linked to Majuli’s Vaishnavite culture and worship.
• Attributed to Srimanta Sankardev, the earliest example depicts the Adya Dasama of the Bhagwat Purana in Assamese.
• Inspired by the Pala school of Painting art, characterized by vibrant colors, detailed work, and emphasis on religious themes.
• Practised in every sattra in Majuli, continuing a rich cultural tradition.

Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

Definition and Importance:

• Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product.
• They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality.
• GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS.

Administration and Registration:

• Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each.

Significance and Examples:

• GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin.
• The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea.
• Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39.

Ownership and Proprietorship:

• Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag.
• The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product.
• Protection and Enforcement:
• Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin.
• Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions.

Location of the Geographical Indications Registry:

• The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India.