Uttarakhand, also known as the Land of Gods, is a state in northern India home to some of the country’s most unique and culturally significant products. Many of these products have been recognized with Geographical Indication (GI) tags, which provide legal protection to the products and their traditional production methods. In this article, we’ll explore some of the products from Uttarakhand that have earned GI tags and their cultural significance.
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List of GI Tag of Uttarakhand
- Kumaon’s Chyura Oil
The seeds of the Chyura plant are used to make Chyura Oil. The Kumaon region of Uttarakhand’s natives have been extracting this oil using the traditional method for years. The conventional method of extracting oil requires a lot of labor. Chyura Oil stands apart from other products due to its harsh flavor and strong flavor. Candles, ointments, lip balms, and other beauty goods can all be made with chyura oil.
- Munsiyari Rajma
The Pittoragarh district’s Munsyari region is where Munsyari rajma is most frequently grown. The local community has used conventional farming and production techniques for many years. This nutrient-rich native rajma is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine. This tiny kidney bean has a distinctive and delicate texture.
- Uttarakhand Bhotia Dann
The Bhotias, a nomadic Tibetan population in Uttarakhand, weave rugs by hand. These rugs are known as Uttarakhand Bhotia danns. This community roams the Dhunda region in the winter months in search of wool to manufacture these carpets.
- Uttarakhand Aipan
Aipan is a ritualistic folk art that originated in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. It was developed as a way to commemorate joyous occasions, holidays, and even funeral ceremonies. In Kumaon, it is widely thought that the artistic form guards against evil. Previously only found on the walls and floors of homes, the art form is now present in many commonplace items and clothing.
- Uttarakhand Ringal Crafts
Uttarakhand The Garhwal mountain range of the Himalayas is home to an abundant kind of bamboo called ringal. As a major source of income for the locals, ringal bamboo is regarded as being both socioeconomically and ecologically significant. In Uttarakhand, ringal weaving is an ancient craft, and almost every family participates in it somewhere in the state.
- Tamta from Uttarakhand
Copper ores were abundant in Uttarakhand and were mined in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. Hand-beaten copperware and musical instruments were made with the copper mined here. The coppersmith community carried on the traditional craft even after the mines were shut down by producing the items. The coppersmiths, also known as Tamta, are the inspiration for the name of this craft.
- Uttarakhand Thulma
The Uttarakhand Thumla blanket is woven on a pit loom or a frame loom and is renowned for its plush fur and captivating designs. Large strips of woven fabric that have been sliced into it and sewn together make up its construction. To finish the edges, use a blanket stitch. Originally made with undyed wool, these blankets are now made using wool that has been dyed in red, blue, pink, black, and green due to the rising demand for them in various colors.
Uttarakhand Seeks GI Tags for 11 Unique Products
The state government is also attempting to collect GI tags for Uttarakhand’s distinctive agricultural goods. This operation is being carried out in order to provide global awareness to a dozen items such as Red Rice, Bedinag Tea, Mandua, Jhangora, Buran Sharbat, Kala Bhatt, Chaulai/Ramadana, Almora Lakhori Mirch, Pahadi Tuar Dal, and Malta Fruit. According to reports, after receiving this particular regional identity tag, these products will be branded on a worldwide scale, resulting in higher prices. This might also represent a significant step forward for Uttarakhand’s economy.
FAQs on GI Tag of Uttarakhand
Tejpat, Basmati Rice, Aipan Art, Munsiyari’s White Rajma, Ringal Craft, Thulma, Bhotia Dan, Chura Oil, and Tamta are among them.
A product can obtain a GI tag by applying to the Geographical Indication Registry of India with the necessary documentation, including proof of the product’s origin, traditional production methods, and unique qualities. The application is then examined by the Registry, and if approved, the product is granted a GI tag.
A GI tag helps local artisans by promoting traditional production methods, ensuring the authenticity of the product, and boosting the local economy and tourism. It also gives them recognition for their unique skills and expertise in producing the product and preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
Yes, a product can lose its GI tag if it fails to meet the necessary standards or if the production method changes, resulting in a loss of unique qualities. The GI tag is subject to periodic review, and if the product no longer meets the necessary criteria, it can lose its GI tag.
The GI-tagged products of Uttarakhand play a significant role in boosting the local economy and promoting tourism in the region. It also helps to preserve the cultural heritage of the region and provides recognition to local artisans and their unique skills and expertise in producing the products.
