Assam is a small north-eastern state hidden amidst the forests of the region. Beyond its popularity for the diversity of flora and fauna it hosts, one can see a completely different facet of Assam – its culture. Assam constitutes only 2.5 percent of India’s land mass, yet, the history, diversity and cultures that constitute this small state is unprecedented. Yet, in this small state are fourteen recognised plain tribes and fifteen hill tribe communities, admirable diversity for a state so small. It is a result of this diversity and its scenic landscape and geography that Assam has produced eleven GI tagged products today.
The Geographical Indication Tag
The GI or Geographical Indication tag is a certification that was introduced for protecting unique products of any kind that can be traced to a specific geographical location. They are issued under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in 2003. The first GI tag was issued to Darjeeling Tea in 2004. The issue of this certificate means that no one elsewhere has the right to claim that they manufacture that product of a unique geographical origin or quality. The GI Tagged products reflect the rich heritage and diversity of Assam’s agricultural and artisanal offerings.
GI Tagged Products of Assam
The first product to be given the GI tag in Assam was Muga silk, awarded the GI tag in 2007. There are a total of eleven Assamese products which have been conferred the tag, the latest of which is the traditional Assamese Gamocha, a traditional Assamese style of making stoles.
1. Muga Silk
Muga silk is a kind of wild silk that is native to the North-eastern regions of India, and is most widespread in Assam. The silk is known for its beautiful golden sheen, and its extreme durability. Museums in Assam feature Muga textiles showing minimal damage, despite being decades and even centuries old. The caterpillars used to produce Muga Silk are called the Muga caterpillars, which traditionally feed on the Som tree. Muga silk was only reserved for the use of royalty in the past, but is available for purchase in several government approved stores in Assam today, though it is very expensive today. This is owing to the danger of the extinction of the Muga caterpillars and the extreme duration and intensity of manual labour the Muga worm breeders and moth rearers have to put into the production of the silk. Muga silk was conferred the GI tag in 2007.
2. Assam Orthodox Tea
Assam is synonymous with tea, in the eyes of many. While tea is produced across India, the geography and climate of Assam produces tea of an intoxicatingly malty, pungent, astringent nature. Tea production began in Assam under the British, who recognised the conditions in Assam to be ideal for tea production. Post independence, tea production was carried forward, and Assam tea finally got a GI tag in 2008.
3. Boka Chaul
Boka Choul is an ancient paddy variety from the state of Assam which was long used by native Ahom soldiers during long campaigns. Today, it is widely used by farmers and housewives. The uniqueness of Boka Chaul is that it can be consumed simply after soaking in water at room temperature. Apart from this, it is very high in fibre and is extremely nutritious. It was given the GI tag in 2018.
4. Kaji Nemu
Kaji Nemu is a variety of seedless lemon native to Assam. Unlike usual lemons, Kaji Nemu is oblong and much larger than the average lemon, in addition to being seedless. It is unique and viable for a lot of reasons – it does not fall off the trees after ripening and the trees bear fruit throughout the year. Kaji Nemu has a unique flavour – it has a lower citric acid content, making it less sour than normal lemons and has a subtle sweet flavour. Kaji Nemu is an integral part of Assamese cuisine, and it has also gained a reputation abroad – it has been sold in the UK for higher prices than in India, helping the farmers. Kaji Nemu was conferred the GI tag in 2019.
5. Judima Wine
The Judima wine of Assam, a sweet, herby wine made exclusively by the Dimasa tribe of the state is a unique asset to the state’s culinary culture and heritage. The wine is made of fermented sticky rice and a special herb, and takes a total of a week to prepare. It can be consumed from then on and develops a more complex flavour profile the older it gets. The wine is traditionally made by women, and this is a factor that counts into its uniqueness. The wine is the first brew from the North-east to be conferred the GI tag in 2021.
6. The Gamocha
The Gamocha has long been a cultural symbol of Assam. It is immediately recognisable, with patterns made of the traditional reds and similar vibrant colours on a background of pure cotton white, or white Tussar, eri or other traditional silks when it is meant to be used as a stole.The vibrantly coloured patterns can also be juxtaposed against the background of the beauteous golden lustre of the Muga. It is widely used in Assamese households, and the gamocha has become synonymous with Assam. It was traditionally a coarse cotton towel, as ‘gamocha’ means, and is used for various households, but it has also evolved to be used as a stole. The Gamocha is the last Assamese product to get the GI tag, in January this year.
Take Aways
The GI tagged products of Assam showcase the cultural diversity of Assam and the North-east. In an India where the North-east is viewed as a homogenous populace and entity, the GI tags not only protect the authentic practices and artisans, but also recognise the diversity of this region of India, which is much needed.
