Tag Request for Shikara and Kashmir Willow Bat by Hindustan Times
Protecting Kashmir's Cultural Treasures: The Push for Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging
Kashmir, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and exquisite handicrafts, is seeking Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for five of its crafts. The government is promoting the production and sale of these GI-tagged handicrafts, which include Kashmir Namda, Gabba, Wagguv, Shikara, and Kashmir Willow bat.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) announced that the Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, Tariq Ahmad Zargar, held discussions with Intellectual Property India (IPI) authorities in Chennai to speed up the GI registration process. The focus on "Vocal for Local" has increased the significance of geographical indication tagging.
Seven handicrafts from Kashmir have already received GI tagging. These include Kani Shawl, Pashmina, Sozni, Paper-Machie, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, and Hand Knotted Carpets. Intellectual Property India (IPI) is the apex level organization for the registration and better protection of geographical indications in India.
The World Intellectual Property Organisation defines a geographical indication (GI) as a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. For a product to be eligible for GI tagging, the qualities, characteristics, or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin.
The government has submitted a dossier for the GI registration of these five crafts to Intellectual Property India (IPI) in Chennai. Discussions also included the GI submission of three more products of the Valley: copperware, willow wicker, and chain stitch crafts of the Valley. These three additional products are already under consideration of the department for GI registration.
The benefits of Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for Kashmir's crafts and cultural markers are numerous. GI tagging protects the authenticity and reputation of traditional products like Pashmina, secures craftsmen’s rights, prevents counterfeit goods, and enables producers to command higher prices due to guaranteed quality and provenance. GI status also helps preserve cultural heritage publicly and supports rural economic development by enhancing global market access for genuine handicrafts.
Specifically for Kashmir, GI tagging affirms the uniqueness of Kashmir’s Pashmina wool, compelling fake Pashmina vendors to either leave the market or disclose the artificial nature of their products, thereby protecting the traditional artisans. It enables local artisan associations to establish quality standards and register their goods, which reduces exploitation by intermediaries. The GI label fosters consumer trust by assuring buyers about the origin and quality of Kashmiri crafts, which influences consumer choice positively and can increase export potential.
Promotion of rural development and environmental sustainability by encouraging traditional, location-specific production methods is another implication of GI tagging. Enhanced branding opportunity, creating a distinctive "Made in Kashmir" identity analogous to how GI tagging has been used successfully for Banarasi silk and other crafts elsewhere in India, strengthens marketability and cultural pride.
Overall, GI tagging is a powerful tool for safeguarding Kashmir’s valuable cultural markers while simultaneously empowering local economies and preserving intangible heritage connected to geography and traditional knowledge.
- To safeguard the reputation and authenticity of Kashmir's delicate Pashmina wool, discussions were held to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for the three additional products: copperware, willow wicker, and chain stitch crafts of the Valley.
- The government's push for GI tagging of Kashmir's traditional crafts aims not only to protect artisans' rights and prevent counterfeit goods but also to foster a distinct "Made in Kashmir" lifestyle, home-and-garden décor, and global market access, thereby strengthening the region's cultural pride and rural economic development.
