GI Tag of West Bengal: West Bengal, a state in eastern India, is known for its unique and traditional products. Some of these products have been granted GI tags, which has helped boost their popularity and ensure their authenticity. Some of the well-known products from West Bengal that have received GI tags include Darjeeling Tea, Shantiniketan Leather Goods, Bankura Horse, Murshidabad Silk, and Fazli Mango, among others. These products are known for their distinct qualities and characteristics, attributed to the specific geographical region in which they are produced. The GI tag has helped in protecting the traditional knowledge and techniques involved in the production of these products, as well as in promoting their economic and cultural significance. It has also helped increase the demand and value of these products in domestic and international markets.
Table of Contents
List of GI Tag of West Bengal
Here are some of the products from West Bengal that have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag:
| S.No. | GI Tag | Description |
| 1. | Darjeeling Tea (Word & Logo) | Agricultural |
| 2. | Laxman Bhog Mango | Agricultural |
| 3. | Khirsapati (Himsagar) Mango | Agricultural |
| 4. | Malda Fazli Mango | Agricultural |
| 5. | Gobindabhog Rice | Agricultural |
| 6. | Tulapanji Rice | Agricultural |
| 7. | Nakshi Kantha | Handicraft |
| 8. | Santiniketan Leather Goods | Handicraft |
| 9. | Santipur Saree | Handicraft |
| 10. | Baluchari Saree | Handicraft |
| 11. | Dhaniakhali Saree | Handicraft |
| 12. | Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft | Handicraft |
| 13. | Bengal Dokra | Handicraft |
| 14. | Bengal Patachitra | Handicraft |
| 15. | Purulia Chau Mask | Handicraft |
| 16. | Wooden Mask of Kushmandi | Handicraft |
| 17. | Madurkathi | Handicraft |
| 18. | Joynagar Moa | Food Stuff |
| 19. | Bardhaman Sitabhog | Food Stuff |
| 20. | Bardhaman Mihidana | Food Stuff |
| 21. | Banglar Rasogolla | Food Stuff |
Check the latest updates below-
Recent GI Tag of West Bengal
West Bengal, the fourth most populated and thirteenth largest state in India, is an eastern state sandwiched between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. The capital of West Bengal is Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), which still bears the architectural and cultural imprint of its previous life as the seat of the British Raj and a commercial station for the East India Company. The state’s economy, which is rich in flora and fauna, is mostly reliant on agriculture and small and medium-sized businesses. The most recent Geographical Indication (GI) Tag awarded to West Bengal is Madurkathi, whose certificate was obtained on May 18, 2018.
On August 18, 2016, the West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board, Government of West Bengal, submitted an application for GI status for the multicolored handicraft known as Madurkathi. It is a spongy reed craft that is the foundation for mat production. It is formed inside the bamboo frame and is grown in soggy, swampy locations. Madurkathi has the non-conducting and ability to absorb perspiration properties, making it suitable for West Bengal’s hot and humid climate.
Rosogulla and GI Status
In 2017, West Bengal prevailed in the conflict over the GI tag for rosogulla. But after Ramesh Chandra Sahoo, the chairman of the regional development trust in Odisha, filed a rectification petition to have West Bengal’s GI status for rosogolla revoked, the adjoining state of Odisha also sought the designation in 2018. The GI register denied Odisha’s request for cancellation after the state was given a deadline and failed to meet it by submitting any relevant proof.
Bengalis were pleased to see their favorite candy receiving the GI designation after months of a bitter-sweet conflict. Now, Sarbhaja and Sarpuria are probably going to acquire GI status shortly.
FAQs on GI Tag of West Bengal
Some of the well-known products from West Bengal that have received the GI tag include Darjeeling Tea, Shantiniketan Leather Goods, Bankura Horse, Joynagar Moa, Nakshi Kantha, Murshidabad Silk, Bardhaman Sitabhog and Mihidana, Fazli Mango, Himsagar Mango, Laxman Bhog Mango, Khirsapati or Khejurer Gur, Baluchari Saree, Dhaniakhali Saree, Krishnanagar Clay Dolls, and Santipore Saree.
‘Tulaipanji’ and ‘Gobindobhog’ rice, both from West Bengal, have contacted the GI registry in Chennai in search of the famous label. To identify a product’s precise geographic location or point of origin, the GI tag is applied. The tag ensures that only those who are licensed may use the product name.
The geographical indicator label has been given to three kinds from Bengal: Fazli, Lakshmanbhog, and Khirsapati or Himsagar.
Darjeeling tea, often known as the Champagne of Teas, was the first product in India to get the Geographical Indication (GI) label in October 2004.
Sarbhaja is a delicate sweet sandwiched between two layers of malai or milk skin. It is fried in ghee and then dipped in sugar syrup. During festivals such as Jagadhatri Puja, Loknath Baba Puja, Kali Puja, and Janmashtami, the dessert is typically ordered in bulk. Sarpuria is similar to Sarbhaja, with the exception that the dessert is baked rather than fried. Kheer, chenna, and malai are the key ingredients. Sarpuria is popular and sometimes ordered in large quantities during festivals.
