19 Traditional Products of Assam Received Geographical Indication tag

Nineteen traditional products and crafts from Assam have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, out of which thirteen are credited to the Bodo community. 

These iconic items include Assam Bihu Dhol, Jaapi, Sarthebari Metal Craft, and more. These products have a rich historical significance and provide direct support to nearly one lakh people. Let's take a closer look at these coveted GI tag recipients.

Assam’s Products

• Assamese Bihu Dhol: The two-faced drum is an iconic instrument in Assam's folk culture, played with both a stick and hand.
• Assamese Jaapi: Tokou Pat and a traditional bamboo hat made of densely woven bamboo or cane are a symbol of pride in Assam and were historically used for protection from sun and rain.
• Sarthebari Metal Craft: The handicraft industry from Barpeta, known for its bell-metal products, engages around 2000 artisans.
• Panimeteka Craft (Water Hyacinth): This product, made from water hyacinth, has gained recognition.
• Mising Taat (Handloom): Handwoven textiles made by the Mising community play a significant role in Assamese culture.
• Asharikandi’s Exquisite Terracotta Works: The beautiful terracotta creations from Asharikandi are an essential part of Assamese cultural heritage.

Thirteen of the products that have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags are associated with the Bodo community, which is the largest tribal group in the Indian state of Assam. These products represent the cultural heritage of the Bodos and include a variety of items, such as Jotha, Gongona, Gamsa, Sifung, Serja, Khardwi, Kham, Gongar Dunjia, Thorka, Keradapini, Jwmgra, Dokhona, and Eri Silk. These GI tags cover both agricultural products and musical instruments.

What is a geographical indication?

• A geographical indication (GI) is a label used on products that originate from a specific geographic region and have certain qualities or reputation due to that region. To qualify as a GI, a label must identify a product that comes from a particular place.
• Geographical indications are considered a part of intellectual property rights under Articles 1(2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. They are covered by Articles 22 to 24 of the TRIPS Agreement, which was included in the GATT negotiations that concluded the Uruguay Round.
• As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act in 1999, which became effective on September 15, 2003, to register and protect GIs.

India’s first GI Tag was given to Darjeeling Tea.

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