GI Tags: The four traditional products from the state of Jharkhand have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Bhagaiya Silk, Kuchai Silk, Munda Jewellery and Jharkhand Bamboo Craft are the new additions to the category of traditional items which have been added with a GI tag in the state of Jharkhand. It helps to protect the regional products, increases the market value of these products, blocks their unauthorised use and boosts the opportunity for livelihood for local artisans through GI recognition. The development is in line with the government’s initiatives on Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, One District One Product (ODOP), promotion of handlooms and promotion of rural economic growth.
Why in News?
Four traditional products of Jharkhand have been given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Reg. Office, Chennai: these include globally renowned products such as Tuber Rosatta, Pakhu sugar, Cowpea, and cluster beans.
- Bhagaiya Silk
- Kuchai Silk
- Munda Jewellery
- Jharkhand Bamboo Craft
These products celebrate the heritage of the tribal community, the craftsmanship embodied in handloom and sustainable production methods in line with the best of the state’s tradition. By doing so, the recognition will boost artisans’ brands and exports and provide income-generating avenues as well as safeguard artisans from counterfeit products.
What is Geographical Indication (GI)? – GI Tags
A Geographical Indication, or GI product, is a type of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) which is intended to identify the origin of a product and its qualities, reputation and characteristics that are directly related to its geographical origin.
Legal Framework for GI Tags
- Registered & protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- Came into force on 15 September 2003.
- Administered by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Purpose of GI Tags
- Ward off decoys of traditional products!
- Maintain traditional knowledge and traditions related to the craft.
- Improve a product’s reputation and market value.
- Promote exports and local employment.
- Promote sustainable economic development.
About the Four Newly GI-Tagged Products of Jharkhand
1. Bhagaiya Silk – GI Tags
Location
It is mainly produced in Bhagaiya village of Godda district in the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand state.
About
- The Bhagaiya Silk Tussar hand-woven fabric by Santhal tribes of Assam is a known hand-woven silk-produced fabric of great value.
- They are the art of weaving that has been passed on from generation to generation and is displayed in the abundance of handloom heritage in the region.
- The traditional handlooms are used to weave the fabric with locally procured Tussar silk yarn.
Key Features
- Natural Golden Shine and classy texture.
- Light, ventilating and very tough materials.
- Minimal Chemical Processing – eco-friendly production.
- Known for its traditional tribal designs and complex weaving techniques.
Importance
- Employs hundreds of tribal weavers, particularly women.
- Supports the handloom industry and handloom business promotion.
- Helps preserve the traditional weaving culture of the Santhal community.
2. Kuchai Silk – GI Tags
Location
Manufactured in Kuchai Block, Saraikela-Kharsawan District (Jharkhand).
About
- Another best silk variety is Kuchai Silk, which is manufactured with typical weaving techniques.
- This area is famous for fine quality Tussar silk cocoons, and is one of the silk producing centres in Jharkhand.
- Sericulture and weaving are in full progress, and the local tribal communities are actively engaged.
Key Features
- The fabric used is soft, light and firm.
- Quality “tussar” silk from the wild.
- Production process with respect to the environment and sustainability.
- For sarees, Stoles, dress material and Handicrafts.
Importance
- Improves the sericulture Industry in Jharkhand.
- Provides better economic conditions for silk growing and weaving.
- Formulates sustainable rural livelihoods and exports.
3. Munda Jewellery – GI Tags
One of the main traditionally made objects by the Munda Tribe, which is the largest Scheduled Tribe of the Jharkhand region.
About
- The Munda community’s jewellery is a symbol of their culture and traditions.
- The ornaments are made by hand using traditional techniques that are transmitted from generation to generation.
- Usually worn during festivals, marriages, harvest and traditional dances.
Key Features
- Constructed of brass, silver, copper, beads and using natural materials.
- Necklaces, earrings, bangles, anklets, waistbands and ceremonial ornaments.
- Strongly stylised with pure graphic tribal decoration and handmade crafting.
Importance
- Maintains the crafting and culture of tribes.
- Helps manufacture livelihoods for tribal artisans.
- Encourages art originating from the indigenous people in the country and the world markets.
4. Jharkhand Bamboo Craft – GI Tags
Location
It is practised in the few districts where tribal people are predominant, such as Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, West Singhbhum and East Singhbhum.
About
- Jharkhand Bamboo Craft is a traditional handloom craft, utilising sustainable bamboo, a locally available resource.
- Folklore and traditional arts have been created by tribal artisans through the use of bamboo, with traditional skills applied to a diversity of products, which have been used for household, agricultural, and decorative purposes.
Key Features
- 100% made with renewable and biodegradable bamboo.
- Lightweight, cost-effective, eco-friendly and durable.
- Recalls the old days of folk art and the art of living sustainably.
Major Products
- Baskets
- Mats
- Furniture
- Decorative items
- Storage containers
- Household utility products
- Agricultural tools
Importance
- Supports rural & tribal livelihoods.
- Encourages sustainable use of natural resources.
- Promotes environmentally friendly handicrafts.
- Creates opportunities for domestic and international markets.
Major GI Tags Granted in India (2026)
| Product | State | Category |
| Unjha Jeera (Cumin) | Gujarat | Agricultural Product |
| Unjha Fennel (Saunf) | Gujarat | Agricultural Product |
| Sitahi Kutki | Madhya Pradesh | Agricultural Product |
| Nagdaman Kutki | Madhya Pradesh | Agricultural Product |
| Baigani Arhar | Madhya Pradesh | Agricultural Product |
| Mahakoshal Chhatriya Chawal | Madhya Pradesh | Agricultural Product |
| Khurasani Imli (Baobab Fruit) | Madhya Pradesh | Natural Product |
| Nolen Gur | West Bengal | Food Product |
| Sitalpati | West Bengal | Handicraft |
| Assam Bihu Dhol | Assam | Handicraft |
| Japi | Assam | Handicraft |
| Sarthebari Metal Craft | Assam | Handicraft |
| Asharikandi Terracotta Craft | Assam | Handicraft |
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