Why in the News?
Five traditional products from Tamil Nadu have received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, highlighting the State’s rich textile, agricultural, and handicraft heritage. With these additions, Tamil Nadu now has 74 GI-tagged products, one of the highest in India. Applications were filed by IPR attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi on behalf of the concerned associations.
Newly Awarded GI Products (2025)
Woraiyur Cotton Sari
- Region: Woraiyur & Manamedu (Tiruchirappalli district)
- Material: Cotton yarn sourced from Coimbatore & Rajapalayam
- Dyes: From Jayamkondam
- Features:
- Light-weight, soft handloom cotton
- Known for intricate designs and distinct regional weaving patterns
- Significance: Represents age-old weaving traditions on the banks of the Cauvery River.
Kavindapadi Naatu Sakkarai (Jaggery Powder)
- Region: Kavindapadi, Erode district
- Raw Material: Sugarcane from fields irrigated by the Lower Bhavani Project canal
- Process:
- Mechanically crushed
- Cane juice slowly evaporated
- No chemical additives → retains natural minerals
- Importance: Major jaggery powder supplier for Tamil Nadu; valued for purity and aroma.
Thooyamalli Rice
- Meaning: “Thooya” (pure) + “Malli” (jasmine) — named for its fragrance
- Type: Traditional samba-season paddy, duration 135–140 days
- Application: Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board, supported by NABARD Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum
- Features:
- Long-duration rice variety
- High nutritional value
- Aromatic and suitable for traditional dishes
Namakkal Makkal Pathirangal (Soapstone Cookware / Kalchatti)
- Region: Namakkal district
- Material: Soft soapstone carved into cooking vessels
- Cultural Roots: Used in South India for centuries; retains heat and enhances flavour
- GI History:
- First application by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts (Poompuhar) withdrawn (2019)
- Final successful application submitted in 2022 by:
- Namakkal Stone Products Manufacturers
- MSME Technology Development Centre – IP Facilitation Centre
Ambasamudram Choppu Saman (Wooden Toys)
- Region: Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli district
- Tradition: Over 200 years old (origin in the 18th century)
- Craft: Handcrafted wooden miniature toys such as:
- Kitchen utensils
- Tables, chairs
- Household play items
- Wood Used:
- Manjal Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)
- Teak
- Rosewood
- Significance: Traditional children’s play items that promote creativity and fine motor skills.
About GI (Geographical Indications)
|
| Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? (2015)
(1) Banaras Brocades and Sarees (2) Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma (3) Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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