The Rich Heritage of Geographically Identified (GI Tag) Products: A Dive into Heritage, Tradition and Authenticity

The Rich Heritage of Geographically Identified (GI Tag) Products: A Dive into Heritage, Tradition and Authenticity

India, also called as “Unity in Diversity”, a place of different cultures and customs, has also been known for its one-of-a-kind and magnificent crafts. Geographically identified (GI Tag) Products are particularly noteworthy. These GI products are more than just commercial commodities; they represent a rich cultural legacy, generations of experience and traditional workmanship. Each product tells a story about its origin, the skillful hands that created it, and the community that supported it. In this blog, we will look at the intriguing world of GI Tag products, their significance, and how platforms like Bekaar Street are making a difference by making these authentic treasures available to a wider audience.

Geographically Identified (GI Tag) Products

Items that have a specific geographical origin and possess distinctive qualities or a reputation specific to that origin are labelled with Geographical Indications (GIs). These objects are usually made by brilliant artisans with generations of experience, which have been inherited from ancestors and perfected their skills over decades. The GI Tag product verifies that the product is genuine and has its original characteristics, thereby preserving cultural heritage. Artists who are making these GI Tag products gain the knowledge of making these beautiful handicraft products from their ancestors which makes these products more authentic, unique and captivating.

Government-Listed (GI Tag) Products

The Indian government has recognized and categorized numerous products as GI in order to preserve indigenous artists’ rights and promote their distinctive works around the world. Textiles, handicrafts, & agricultural commodities are among them. The GI registry (External Authority) keeps a complete list of such products, confirming their legitimacy and establishing a legal framework to avoid misuse.

Significance of GI Tag Products

The relevance of GI Tag items stems from their authenticity and cultural legacy. These items assist to conserve traditional knowledge and skills, ensuring that craftsmen are recognized and compensated fairly for their efforts. Additionally, GI tags safeguard buyers from imitations by ensuring quality and origin. By promoting these items, we not only celebrate the great diversity of our cultural history, but also help to sustain economic development in artisan communities. By purchasing GI Tag products from bekaarstreet.com, you can help rural Indian artists who are protecting our rich Indian Culture and Heritage from generations after generations.

Availability & Points to Remember

i) Authenticity

When buying GI Tag handicrafts and products, it is critical to verify their validity. Look for the GI tag or certification, which confirms the product’s origin and quality. Platforms such as Bekaar Street promise that their products are authentic and sold directly by artists who make these products through their unique artisan stories.

iI) Value and Pricing

GI Tag products are often priced higher due to their unique qualities and the craftsmanship involved. However, investing in these products means supporting artisans and preserving cultural heritage. Bekaar Street offers affordable luxury, ensuring that you get value for your money while contributing to a good cause. Bekaar Street ensures zero involvement of middle men to source any GI Tag products to ensure 100% authenticity and reasonable price and encourage sellers to sell their products directly at our platform.

iII) Sustainability

Choosing eco-friendly materials, such as clay decor and traditional handicrafts, helps to lessen the environmental impact. By choosing handcrafted items versus mass-produced ones, you promote sustainable practices and help communities who rely on these skills for a living.

Famous GI Tag Products of Bengal

Krishnanagar Clay Crafts

  • Brief Introduction : Krishnanagar Clay Products are also famous as Ghurni Clay Dolls and the area is named as Putul Potti, i.e., Doll Market. The place is also associated with Nadia King Raja Krishna Chandra Ray and iconic comedian Gopal Bhar.
  • People of this area, are associated with making clay dolls, sculptures of different sizes and clay handicrafts. Their popularity across the globe, has created a sustainable livelihood for the artists who are associated with it. Needlessly to mention the artists are gaining knowledge about making process from their ancestors only and they are modern day methods to make it more perfect.
  • Recognitions : Their artistic talent has been honoured with President of India and various national & international institutions.
  • Famous Products : Clay Dolls, Clay Idols, Clay Sculptures, Ek Chala Maa Durga
  • Material Used : Clay

Bishnupur Terracotta Crafts

  • Brief Introduction : Bishnupur, sub-division of Bankura District is popularly known as Terracotta Hub of Bengal. Although the actual artists reside at Panchmura village of Bishnupur Town in Bankura district. All the families of Panchmura village are only associated with making terracotta products with traditional methods. Variety of clay works by following old & traditional method of burning clay is main way to develop each product.
  • Recognitions : Their artistic talent has been honoured with President of India and various national & international institutions.
  • Famous Products : Ghora, Kathakoli Ghora, Tribal Music Set, Ek Chala Maa Durga, Bull & Elephant, Jewellery
  • Material: Terracotta Clay

Bikna Dokra Crafts

  • Brief Introduction : Bikna is also situation in Bankura Town of Bankura District, popularly known as Dokra Hub of Bengal. Artists are migrated from Odissa state, a long way back, currently develops the brass metal handicraft products, which are not only heavy by nature but also beautiful as a handicraft artwork.
  • Recognitions : Their artistic talent has been honoured with President of India and various national & international institutions.
  • Famous Products : Radha Krishna, Village Farmer, Tortoise, Jewellery, Owl, Palanquin, Ek Chala Devi Durga, Radha Krishna.
  • Material : Brass Metal

Purulia Chhau Mask

  • Brief Introduction : Chhau mask of Purulia is famous for its unique & vibrant artworks in the form of mask, which are associated with age-old dance form “Chhau Dance”. Performers wear these masks during the dance performance of various mythological characters & animals.
  • Recognitions : Their artistic talent has been honoured with President of India and various national & international institutions.
  • Famous Products : Various types of masks of mythological characters & animals.
  • Material : Clay, Paper, Fine Ash Power

Handicrafts & Showpieces

Handicrafts, particularly clay decor and metal crafts, are popular categories of GI Tag items.

  • Bengal GI Handicrafts: Bengal Patachitra, Manasa chali, Bankura horse, Chhau mask, and Dokra.

Clothing & Wearables

Traditional apparel items represent ethnic identity and pride.

  • Bengal GI Wearables: Baluchari Sari, Nakshi Kantha, Santiniketan Leather Goods, Dhaniakhali Saree, Garad Saree, Kantha, Shantipuri Sari, Korial Saree and Tangail saree.

Foods & Drinks

Bengal’s GI-tagged food products are cherished for their unique flavors.

  • Bengal GI Food: Mihidana, Rasgulla, Sitabhog, Darjeeling Tea, Fazli (mango), Gobindobhog, Himsagar, Jaynagarer Moa and Sundarban Honey.

How Bekaar Street is Different from Others?

i) Besting Pricing due to Zero Involvement of Middlemen

Bekaar Street ensures fair pricing for both customers and artisans. By eliminating middlemen, we provide competitive prices while ensuring artisans receive fair compensation.

ii) Seller Authenticity

Every product is sourced directly from artisans. Our platform showcases genuine GI Tag crafts, like Krishnanagar Clay Crafts, ensuring each item tells a unique story.

iii) Availability (All India Shipping & COD)

We offer nationwide shipping with the convenience of Cash on Delivery (COD), making it easier for customers across India to access our collections.

iv) Varieties of Products

Bekaar Street offers a diverse range of products, including home decor and handmade jewellery.

v) More Unique Features

Art Whispers: Stories from Tradition

At Bekaar Street, each thing is more than simply an item; it’s a piece of history and culture. Our artists blend their works with millennia of wisdom, generations of experiences, making each one unique and significant.

Sustainable Significance

We are devoted to environmentally friendly procedures, ensuring that our products are made in a sustainable manner. By choosing Bekaar Street, you are helping to create a greener earth and a more sustainable future.

Empowering Artisans

Our platform enables craftsmen by connecting them to a worldwide marketplace. This directly supports Women Empowerment in the rural craft sector.

Community & Growth

Bekaar Street cultivates a thriving community of craftsmen and customers, providing a platform for sharing and celebrating stories, experiences, and abilities.

Geographically identified products are more than just commodities; they represent cultural heritage and traditions. Explore the enchanting world of GI items on Bekaar Street, where each piece tells a narrative of heritage, workmanship, and sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Geographically Identified (GI) Products?
GI products are items that have a specific geographical origin and have traits or a reputation that stem from that origin. These products are frequently made using ancient processes and are protected by the GI marking to ensure authenticity.

2. Why are GI Tag products important?
GI tag products are essential because they preserve traditional craftsmanship, help local artists, and provide buyers with genuine, high-quality items. The cultural legacy and economic advancement of the areas they originate from are also enhanced by them.

3. How do I verify the validity of a GI tag product?
To verify the authenticity of a GI tag product, check for the GI sticker or certification that confirms its origin and quality. Buying from renowned outlets, such as Bekaar Street, ensures that you are receiving a real goods from the artists of the particular place.

4. Are GI tag products environmentally friendly?
Many GI tag items are eco-friendly since they are made with traditional processes and natural materials. Choosing these products helps to promote sustainable practices and reduces environmental effect.

5. Why should I purchase from Bekaar Street?
Bekaar Street provides a carefully curated variety of original GI tag products, with fair pricing and direct sourcing from craftsmen. Our site promotes sustainable methods, empowers craftspeople, and offers a varied selection of unique and high-quality items.