Bihar is a land of rich cultural heritage and historical significance. However, Bihar in popular culture today is badly represented, instead of being recognised for its rich past, delicious food and vibrant festivals. However, Bihar has a remarkable range of Geographical Indication (GI) tag products, looking at which we can be better informed about the vibrant culture of the region. These GI tag products are a testament to the state’s diverse natural resources, traditional craftsmanship, and indigenous knowledge. With each product reflecting the unique identity and expertise of local communities, Bihar’s GI tag products have gained national and international recognition, while also contributing to the economic growth and empowerment of the region.
Understanding the GI Tag
The geographical indication (GI) tag is a certification that indicates the origin and uniqueness of a product that stems from its unique geographical location. It serves as a form of intellectual property protection, ensuring that products originate from that specific region or that a product possesses certain characteristics because of its origins in that particular area. The GI tag helps consumers identify and differentiate authentic products from imitations or substitutes. It also supports the local economy by promoting traditional practices and preserving cultural heritage. The GI tag is a recognition and endorsement of the link between the geographical origin and the distinctiveness of a product, providing both economic benefits and consumer trust. The tag is issued for ten years, after which it has to be renewed.
1. Mithila Makhana
Mithila Makhana is the Makhana (foxnuts or water lily seeds), originating in the Mithila region of Bihar. Makhana has become a popular snack of late, owing to its health benefits and nutritional value. Mithila Makhana is a unique because the region provides the appropriate climatic and geographical conditions for producing high quality makhana. Besides, Bihar produces more than eighty percent of India’s Makhana production, and this will greatly help the many Makhana farmers in the state.
2. Madhubani paintings
Madhubani art of the Mithila school of art is one of the most popular art forms in India. Madhubani art has its origins in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal. Madhubani art is known for its beautiful two dimensional figures painted with vivid colours portraying Indian mythological figures and society. They are made with colours derived from natural elements and are traditionally painted on freshly plastered walls and floors. Madhubani art is one of the most iconic art forms of India, receiving the GI tag in 2007.
3. Bhagalpur silk
Bhagalpur is known as the ‘silk city of India’. The silk textiles of Bhagalpur, and its sarees, specifically are well known throughout India, for their beauty and durability. Bhagalpur textiles are made of Tussar silk, and the silk industry here has sustained from the ancient times, flourishing particularly under the Mauryan empire. Besides its ancient origins and superior quality, the silk industry of Bhagalpur is also known to adopt cruelty-free ways of breeding silkworms. This is why the Bhagalpur silk industry is unique. It received the GI tag in 2013, helping the weavers of the industry get their dues.
4. Sikki grass crafts of Bihar
Vetiver or Sikki grass is well known across the world for its therapeutic qualities, soothing dry and irritated skin. However, in the state of Bihar, it is put to a unique use. Women in the region have been known for centuries to dry and subsequently use the grass to weave a range of utilitarian products, including baskets, dolls, and toys. The craft by itself is very simple and beautiful, but sometimes, it is beautified further by painting with natural colours. This beautiful craft was even featured on the 2013 Republic day tableau of Bihar. The sikki grass craft of Bihar is one of the simplest and unique crafts of the region, rightfully being awarded the GI tag in 2007.
5. Shahi Litchi of Muzzafarpur
Litchi is a fruit known for its sweet, white translucent pulp. India is the second largest producer of Litchi, and the conditions for growing Litchi are ideal in the state of Bihar, which is why the state comes first in Litchi production within the country. The city of Muzzafarpur produces the finest Litchis in the state, which is why it was conferred the GI tag in 2016.
6. Katarni rice
The Katarni rice of Bihar is a short grained rice known for its unique aroma and taste, and is grown mainly in the Bhagalpur and Banka districts of Bihar. The rice grows only in Bihar because the soil composition is appropriate for cultivation here, but it has been facing the threat of extinction in recent times. Hence, it was awarded the GI tag in 2023 for encouraging farmers to cultivate the crop and to protect the species.
7. Jardalu mango
The Jardalu mango of Bihar is known for its sweet scent, light yellow skin and exceptional taste. Each Jardalu mango weighs nearly a quarter of a kilo, and it is believed that the erstwhile Raja of Kharagpur, Maharaja Rahmat Ali Khan was the first to plant the seedling of the Jardalu mango here. The mangoes have been famous for a long time for their quality and are even being exported to the UK since 2021. Officials have also been working on exporting them to other countries, and the move of giving the GI tag earlier this year will only make this delicious variety of mangoes more popular around the world.
Conclusion
The Geographical Indication (GI) tags on products from Bihar have brought about significant benefits. These GI tags have provided legal protection to unique products, ensuring their authenticity and origin. The recognition has not only empowered local artisans and farmers but has also opened doors to new economic opportunities. By preserving traditional craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge, GI tags have played a crucial role in promoting cultural heritage and sustainable development in Bihar. Additionally, these products bring to light the rich culture and traditions in craft, textile and agriculture of Bihar, giving the state some well-deserved spotlight. The GI tag has undoubtedly contributed to the preservation, promotion, and prosperity of Bihar’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
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