GI Tags in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, known for its diverse cultural heritage and natural beauty, is also home to several unique products that have earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. From the famous Kangra Tea to the intricately woven Kullu Shawl, these GI-tagged products are a testament to the state's rich tradition and craftsmanship. In this blog, we will explore the significance of GI tags in Himachal Pradesh, how they protect the authenticity of local products, and their impact on the state's economy. Discover why GI tags play a crucial role in preserving the heritage and promoting the global recognition of Himachal Pradesh's indigenous goods.
A List of GI Tags in Himachal
The Geographical Indication is awarded to products that have a specific geographical origin, and that have characteristics related to a particular location. There are 11 items with GI Tag in Himachal Chamba Rumal ,Chamba Chappal ,Himachali chulli oil ,Kangra tea ,Basmati rice ,Himachali kala zeera ,Kangra paintings ,Kinnauri shawl ,Kullu Shawl ,Lahauli socks and gloves and Logo of Kullu Shawl .
|
|
Category |
Year |
|---|---|---|
|
Kullu Shawl |
Handicraft |
2004 |
|
Kangra tea |
Agriculture |
2005 |
|
Chamba Rumal |
Handicraft |
2007 |
|
Kinnauri shawl |
Handicraft |
2008 |
|
Basmati rice India |
Agriculture |
2016 |
|
Kangra paintings |
Handicraft |
2012 |
|
Kullu Shawl (Logo) |
Handicraft |
2012 |
|
Chamba Chappal |
Handicraft |
2018 |
|
Himachali chulli oil |
Manufactured Goods |
2019 |
|
Himachali kala zeera |
Agriculture |
2019 |
|
Lahauli socks and gloves |
Textiles |
2019 |
H.P became the 1st State to Formulate “Policy for the Registration and Protection of Geographical Indications of Goods in Himachal Pradesh”. H.P Patent Information Centre files application on behalf of any association of persons, producers, organization in the State of H.P
What is a Geographical Indication Tag in India?
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a special label given to products from specific areas. It shows that the quality, reputation, and unique features of the product are tied to where it comes from.
History of GI tags
Geographical Indications fall under the umbrella of intellectual property rights (IPRs) as outlined in the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. At the global level, the governance of Geographical Indications is overseen by the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), established by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In India, the registration and protection of Geographical Indications are administered through the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999, which became effective on September 15, 2003. Notably, Darjeeling tea was the first Indian product to receive a Geographical Indication tag, a recognition granted in the year 2004-05.
GI Tags of Himachal Pradesh
1. Kullu Shawl
The Kullu Shawl is famous for its special texture, yarn, and traditional designs. It's made using different materials like local wool, Merino wool, Angora, Pashmina, synthetic yarn, Yalk wool, cotton, and more. What makes these shawls unique is the colorful stripes or bands running across their ends.
These bands, a few centimeters wide and varying from two to seven centimeters on each side,are decorated with a variety of patterns woven in brilliant colours like yellow, green, white of red on a black background or orange and green on a brown base
Interestingly, the Kullu Shawl was the first item to ever receive a special label called a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in Himachal on 10 December 2004 obtaining Geographical indication No. 19., recognizing its importance and heritage.
2. Kangra Tea
Kangra Tea, recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005 further solidified its international recognition when it obtained a European GI tag in 2023. Kangra Tea, grown in the scenic Kangra valley spanning Kangra District and parts of Chamba and Mandi Districts, gained international acclaim for its exceptional quality, evidenced by prestigious awards and medals in markets like London and Amsterdam during the late 19th century.
The Kangra valley during the 1920s produced nearly half the green tea manufactured in India, and it was exported to Afghanistan and Iran.
Kangra tea is derived from the leaves, buds and tender stems of plants the botanical name of tea plants is Camellia sinensis or Thea sinensis grown in the southern slopes of Dhauladhar ranges of western Himalayas within the altitude range of 900m to 1400 m
3. Chamba Rumal
'Chamba Rumal' is a pictorial craft that represents unique embroidery, which originated and flourished during 17 –18 centuries in Chamba town in the State of Himachal Pradesh.
Chamba Rumal derives its inspiration from Paintings in their general layout and themes; there is a predominance of figures of deities, especially of Vishnu in his different forms.
The “dorukha-tanka” the double satin stitch that is used in the Chamba Rumal embroidery is unique, which is not noticed in anywhere else in Indian embroidery tradition
4. Kinnauri Shawl
The heritage of woolen art fabric in Kinnaur dates back to ancient times, thriving particularly during the period of the erstwhile state of Rampur Bushehar .Locally referred to as "Chhali," the Kinnauri Shawl holds a special place in the region's cultural identity. Women typically wear "chhali toproo," featuring intricate design patterns, while men opt for plain "chhali."
In Kinnauri Shawls, there is intricate use of the stylized Buddhist symbols and complex graphic patterns, consisting of hexagons (gyatongor tank) and square (palpe) etc
The Buddhist symbols executed in the five primary colours – white, yellow, red, green and blue represent five elements viz., water, earth, fire, ether and air respectively,
Recognizing its cultural significance and craftsmanship, the Kinnauri Shawl was officially registered under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, on December 4, 2008
5. Basmati rice India
Basmati rice is cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian subcontinent.The specific agro-climatic conditions, processing techniques such as harvesting and ageing are said to make this rice unique.
In India, rice grown in specific parts of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir can be labelled as basmati and has been given Geographical Indication Tag .
6. Kangra paintings
Kangra painting originated from Guler, these artworks depict timeless themes from Hindu mythology, especially the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha.
Using intricate detailing and vibrant colors made from natural materials, Kangra paintings are known for their lush landscapes and graceful portrayal of women.
Notable artists like Nainsukh and Manaku contributed to its zenith in the 18th century. Recognized for its cultural significance, Kangra painting received Geographical Indication status in 2012.
7. Kullu Shawl (Logo)
"Kullu Shawl" & "Kullu Shawl (LOGO)" have been registered separately. It has been registered by 300 weavers together to protect their rights
8. Chamba Chappal
Chamba chappals are special sandals known for their fancy embroidery. They're stitched with silk and gold threads, usually showing off flowers and leaves. These unique shoes with Zari (a kind of thread) have been around since the ninth century, back when King Sahil Verman ruled. When he married the princess of Noorpur, the shoe makers came along as part of the wedding gift, offering their services to the queen and the kingdom.
9.Himachali chulli oil
Chulli also known as Wild Apricot, Chulu, Share or Zardalu is grown as wild in many parts of Himachal Pradesh namely, Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Sirmour, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
Owing to their short harvest season and poor shelf life, these fruits are mostly used for making local liquor Ghanti) .
The Chulli Oil (Apricot oil) is known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseasesAlso it is important for skin, hair growth, and regulation of cholesterol metabolism.The Apricot oil can be used for both edible and pharmaceutical purposes
10. Himachali kala zeera
The Kinnauri Kalazeera is a high value herbaceous spice that grows wild in the forest areas of Kinnaur and farmers collect the matured seeds. It is known worldwide for its medicinal properties
Kinnauri Kalazeera is considered superior to all the available kalazeera produced in the western Himalayan region and the zeera available in the market. There are many quality parameters for which Kinnauri Kalazeera far superior over other kalazeera such as aroma ,chemical composition and the taste preference of people.
11. Lahauli socks and gloves
It Made from Local Sheep Wool .The traditional Lahul socks and gloves are made from indigenous wool sheared from sheep. Socks are knit in parts, using four double –pointed needles. First the cuff is knit,second the leg and at last the heel.The upper parts of the foot is knit using eight colors into a traditional eye-catching pattern, locally called ‘dashi’.
