GI tag for Telangana’s Adilabad dokra, Warangal Dhurries

Chennai based Geographical Indication Registry has awarded Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to two more craft forms from Telangana viz. Adilabad dokra and Warangal Dhurries. Adilabad Dokra is an ancient bell metal craft and Warangal Dhurries is a popular traditional cotton rug.

Adilabad Dokra

It is form of ancient bell metal craft practiced by Woj community native to Adilabad district of Telangana. They use ancient casting technique called cire perdue (lost wax casting technique), a technique wherein duplicate metal sculpture is cast from an original sculpture.
The 100-odd families are currently, involved in creation of a hereditary crafts. The craftsmen mostly indulge in creation of metal casting products like idols of local deities, dancing figures, bells, jewellery, statues and many other decorative items. Apart from these, they also makes figures of animals and birds, and jewels.

Warangal Dhurries

Dhurries is popular traditional thick cotton rug in which weavers create beautiful patterns and dye them using vegetable colours, which are washed in flowing water after the printing process. Currently, there are more than 2000 weaving community members present in Kothawada, Warangal in spinning Dhurrie. The products are exported mainly to UK, Germany along with few other European and African countries.

Geographical Indication (GI)

GI tag is name or sign used on certain products which correspond to specific geographical location or origin. It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods having special quality and established reputation. These goods and products having tag are recognised for their origin, quality and reputation and gives it required edge in the global market. It also ensures that none can use their name, giving them exclusivity. The registration of a GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed. Violation of GI tags is punishable offence under law.
The purpose of GI tag enables stakeholders to authenticate their production while earning a premium and derive an improved livelihood. GI is covered as element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property. At international level, GI is governed by WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). In India, GI tag Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999 governs it. This Act is administered by Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2018