Recently, Chak-Hao, the celebrated black rice from Manipur, and the renowned Gorakhpur terracotta from Uttar Pradesh have been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This certification is an acknowledgement of their unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regard to their special quality or reputed attributes.
Chak-Hao: The Fragrant Black Rice of Manipur
One of the key products that has been recently recognized with a GI tag is Chak-Hao, a distinct variety of scented glutinous black rice that has been grown in Manipur for centuries. The unique characteristics of this rice include its enticing aroma, dark colour and a lengthy cooking time of around 40-45 minutes, due to a fibrous bran layer and higher crude fibre content.
Most commonly consumed during community feasts, it is particularly enjoyed as Chak-Hao kheer, a creamy rice dessert. Aside from these culinary uses, Chak-Hao also finds usage in traditional medicine, employed by practitioners in diverse healing techniques.
Gorakhpur Terracotta: A Traditional Art Form
In the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, the city of Gorakhpur boasts a historic art form—terracotta work, which now carries the GI tag. The terracotta artwork here is entirely handcrafted using ‘Kabis’ clay found predominantly in the ponds of Aurangabad, Bharwalia and Budhadih village areas but only during May and June.
The artisans do not use any colours or dyes; instead, they dip the clay structures in a solution of soda and mango tree barks before baking them. This imparts the signature red hue to the terracotta that remains unfaded for years. The major products emerging from this skilled craftsmanship include Hauda elephants, Mahawatdar horse, deer, camel, five-faced Ganesha, single-faced Ganesha, elephant tables, chandeliers, and hanging bells.
Understanding Geographical Indication (GI)
A GI is essentially a certification of provenance, identifying a product as originating in a specific area and possessing qualities or reputation related to its geographical location. The GI tag offers an assurance of authenticity and restricts unauthorized usage by any entities not residing within that geographical territory.
The governance of GI tags in India falls under the purview of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. The GI tags are issued by the Geographical Indications Registry headquartered in Chennai.
The Benefits of a GI Tag
The GI tag serves to offer legal protection to the unique Geographical Indications in India from unauthorized use. This helps to preserve the legacy of regional crafts and produce, while at the same time fostering the economic prosperity of the producers in these regions. With a GI tag, these products gain recognition on a global stage, potentially boosting exports and leading to broader economic benefits.
This recent attribution of the GI tag to both Chak-Hao and the Gorakhpur Terracotta stands as recognition of the incredible richness and diversity of Indian culture, history, and craftsmanship.