Indian Crafts that Got Geographical Indication(GI) Tag in Recent Years

Handicrafts of India are famous for their intricate details and beauty. They are a true representation of India's skilled craftsmanship and the country’s unmatched history and beauty. But after industrialisation, traditional weavers and crafters came on the verge of losing the battle due to competition from mass-produced, machine-made goods as well as imported goods. As an honour to their skills and to preserve the handmade beauty of various art and crafts of the country, the government launched the geographical indication tag to list the products that depict the country’s rich culture and heritage.
Through this blog, we bring to you the famous handicrafts of Indian states that got their GI tags.

What is a Geographical Indication Tag (GI Tag)

Geographical Indication Tags or GI Tags are labels or signs given to particular items that refer to their origins in a particular region, town, or nation. (1)

11 Handicrafts of Indian States That Got GI Tag in Recent Years 

Belonging to Uttar Pradesh, the exquisite Banaras brocade sarees made their way to the  GI tag list  in the year 2021. These sarees are made of finely woven silk and embellished with elaborate motifs, that give these sarees their weight. These sarees feature unique Mughal-inspired patterns and elements, such as the elaborate floral and foliate motifs found in Kalga and Bel. 

Image credit:- Wikipedia

Kashmiri carpets are renowned for their exceptional fineness of artwork, unique designs, and quality beyond all else. Rich in artistic motifs and details the carpet combines intricate designs with a little bit of narrative about the carpet weavers who crafted them. Hailing from the mini Switzerland of India, Kashmir, the Kashmiri Hand-knotted carpets got their name in the  GI tag list  in the year 2016.

 

This  handicraft of the Indian state got its GI tag in the year 2013. Moradabad city in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its brass work and is also known as Brass City. Various brass artworks showcase the state’s rich diversity, culture, legacy, and history.

 4. Bastar Dhokra 

The  handicraft of India  has been acknowledged as the geographical sign of Chhattisgarh in the year 2013 because of its distinctive approach. This  GI Tag handicraft  belongs to the Harappa and Mohenjo-daro civilizations. It is created using 27 detailed steps without any moulds, which sets it apart from Dhokra crafts produced in other regions of the world.

The warp and the weft of a Sambalpuri sari are tie-dyed prior to weaving, making it a classic example of a bandha (ikat) sari. The sarees depict images of flora and fauna or geometric patterns. Handwoven by skilled artisans of the Sambalpur district in Orissa, this unique  handicraft of India  got its name in the  GI tag list  in the year 2012. 

Also known as "Tussar silk", the Bhagalpur silk from Bihar is known for its extraordinary quality and one-of-a-kind flexibility and adaptability. These features of the Bhagalpur silk made it to the  GI tag list  of the year 2012. It is also known as the "queen of all fabrics." Each strand depicts India’s rich culture and heritage.

The distinctive use of natural dyes and hand block printing in the Bagru hand block print of Rajasthan is what sets it apart from others. Bagru hand block print themes are typically derived from diverse vegetation and are fundamental in nature. The famous art of Rajasthan got its GI tag in the year 2011.

The West Bengali is the origin of the Baluchari Sari. Representation of mythical motifs on the sari's pallu is what distinguishes it. It takes approximately 1 week to make a single saree. The Baluchari Sari received a GI tag in the year 2011. It is one of the most loved  GI tag handicrafts  from West Bengal.

 9. Paithani Sarees and Fabrics

Made in the Paithan town of Aurangabad district, the Paithani sarees are known for their oblique square patterned borders and a padar with a peacock motif. They got their GI tag in the year 2010. Single-colour and kaleidoscope-coloured patterns are also some of the famous types of Paithani sarees.

 10. Cheriyal Paintings

This  handicraft of India  is a stylised form of Nakashi art that is full of regional elements unique to Telangana. The Cheriyal paintings illustrate a narrative style, akin to a film roll or a comic strip, and they tell shorter stories from the Puranas and Epics that are closely related to Indian mythology. This art form made it to the  GI tag list  in the year 2010.

It is among the most famous  GI tag handi crafts  of Rajasthan that got its GI tag in the year 2008. This  handicraft of India  draws strong influence from Perian ceramics but has its own unique designs and themes. The Blue Pottery is richly decorated with animals, birds, and flowers along with a trace of Persian geometric design.

Handicrafts of Indian states need no explanation. They are beautiful, and detailed and exude the country’s rich culture. However, it is important to remember that those products that capture the essence of a place should be preserved and given full protection from any kind of infringement. That’s the reason the  GI tag list  was introduced to India. 
If you are an admirer of India’s rich heritage and want some pieces of these unique  handicrafts of India  to adorn yourself or your home, then check out the excellent collection of  GI Tag handicrafts  from iTokri today itself! 

Frequently Asked Questions on  GI Tag Handicrafts of India

Geographical Indication, often known as a  GI Tag,  is a designation or sign given to a particular product that has a special connection to geographic areas.

As per the latest stats, approximately 209 handicrafts have got  geographical indication tags  in India. 

In the year 2023, 5 handicrafts from Madhya Pradesh received the  geographical indication tag.  The craft that got GI Tag are: 

• Gond Paintings from Dindori, 
• Carpets from Gwalior, 
• Batik Prints from Ujjain, 
• Bhedaghat stone crafts from Jabalpur, and 
• Waraseoni saris from Balaghat