In recent developments, the District Tourism Promotion Council of Kozhikode is seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the renowned Beypore Uru. This handcrafted wooden vessel is symbolic of Kerala’s longstanding trading relationships and bonds with the Gulf countries.
Understanding Beypore Uru
The Beypore Uru refers to a handcrated dhow, a type of sailing boat, built using specialized craftamanship skills in Beypore, Kerala. Unique in their formation, the Urus consist of exclusively prime quality wood and are constructed without the aid of modern techniques. The wood required for building the Uru is sawed manually, a task that demands vast expertise. Additionally, crafting each Uru is a lengthy process that can span from one to four years, as it is executed entirely by hand. This ancient craft has a rich history dating back almost 2000 years.
Key Players in Uru Manufacturing
Two significant communities involved in the production of the Urus are the Odayis and the Khalasis.
Starting with the Odayis, they are entrusted with managing the technical aspects of ship-building. The term ‘Odayis’ stems from ‘Odam’, a small type of ship previously used for trade between the Malabar coast and Lakshadweep, which inspired their family name.
On the other hand, the Khalasis, predominantly Mappila Muslims, are regarded globally for their proficiency in launching the finished Urus into the water through traditional means. This group, also known as the Mappila Khalasis, has made substantial strides in the ship-building industry and has gained immense admiration from Arab traders, who were among the first significant patrons of these boats.
Importance of Geographical Indication
A Geographical Indication (GI) is essentially a notation for goods that originate from a specific location and display qualities or reputation stemming from that origin. For instance, Darjeeling tea was the first Indian product to secure a GI tag. The GI tag helps protect and promote local products, acknowledging their unique geographical origins character and craftsmanship.
The District Tourism Promotion Council’s application for a GI tag for Beypore Urus underscores the importance of recognising and protecting this centuries-old traditional craft, which not only carries historical significance but also promotes cultural heritage.
Rings of Intellectual Property Rights
Geographical indications are part of intellectual property (IP) rights recognised by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) under the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement. Under Article 22(1) of this agreement, GIs are defined as indicators that identify a good as originating in a specified territory or region within that territory, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin.
To comply with these obligations, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. This legislation secures the production of GI-tagged goods to the mentioned geographical territory, safeguarding the interests of local artisans and craftsmen.
Obtaining a GI tag for Beypore Uru will go a long way in preserving and promoting this age-old tradition, ensuring its survival for generations to come.