Kerala, known as ‘God’s own country’, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage closely connected with the divine and its breathtaking natural beauty. Beyond its lush green landscapes and serene backwaters, The GI tagged products of Kerala showcase the state’s unique heritage and craftsmanship to the world, these products preserve Kerala’s cultural legacy, ensuring that future generations can savor and appreciate the authentic flavors and craftsmanship that define this enchanting region. From aromatic spices of unparalleled quality like cardamom and black pepper to the beautiful handwoven Chendamangalam textiles and the secret craft of Aranmula Kannadi, Kerala boasts an array of unique products reflecting its rich history and geography.
What is the GI tag?
The GI tag, also known as Geographical Indication tag, is a form of intellectual property right granted to certain products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are closely associated with that origin. It is a certification that recognizes the unique characteristics and traditional knowledge associated with a particular region. The GI tag helps preserve traditional crafts and production practices unique to a certain region. On the global level, GI tags are recognised by the WHO, and are covered as a component of intellectual property rights under the Paris convention. In India, the issue of the GI tag is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) 1999. The first product to get the GI tag was Darjeeling tea in 2005.
1. Aranmula Kannadi
Aranmula Kannadi or literally ‘Aranmula mirror’ has a long history intimately linked to the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple. It is said that eight families of temple craftsmen from Tirunelveli were invited to the temple for their works in temple crafts. These craftsmen specialised in metalworks, and incidentally stumbled upon a reflective alloy in the course of their work, according to legend. This community of metal workers began making mirrors ever since, and the alloy has remained a secret since then. The mirrors are unique because of this alloy. Usually, mirrors are made by electroplating silver onto glass, while Aranmula Kannadi is made by polishing this alloy. These mirrors have become an integral part of the indigenous traditions of Kerala, the Aranmula Kannadi being one of the Ashtamangalyam or eight auspicious things used in the entry of a bride to a wedding. Aranmula Kannadi is only made by one family today, and was awarded the GI tag in 2005 in order to protect and preserve the uniqueness of the craft.
2. Palakaddan Matta
The famous Palakaddan matta, or Palakkad rice, in Malayalam, is famous for its rich, earthy flavour, its high nutritional content and its reddish-brown colour. It is different from regular brown rice and is widely used in the Southern states of India for traditional lunches and breakfast dishes. Palakaddan matta was granted the GI tag in 2007.
3. Alleppey Coir
Alleppey Coir products are a part of a tradition of centuries or perhaps millennia of making handcrafted products for utility. It has been a part of the traditional crafts of Alleppey for a long time, but under the British, it was industrialised, with the first Coir factory being set up in 1859. Coir products in Alleppey include doormats, fenders and mattings for a range of purposes. They are commonplace in every Kerala home. Alleppey coir products are unique because they are made by small cottage units today, with entire families being involved in the manufacturing process. They are of unparalleled quality, made to BIS(Board of Indian Standards) specifications and with unique geometrical patterns. Alleppey Coir products were granted the GI tag in 2007.
4. Malabar Pepper
Malabar pepper is pepper that is grown along the entirety of the Malabar coast now, and is known for its sweet, spicy and pungent flavour. It has been renown for its high quality and unique flavour for centuries and was sought after by European and middle eastern traders for a long time, beginning from the ancient Romans. It was given the GI tag in 2008.
Suggested Read – The Flavorful Spices of Kerala Spreading the Aromas of Malabar
5. Chendamangalam Textiles
The cotton textiles of the village of Chendamangalam in Ernakulam are known for their fine quality and unique, simple design. The dhoties and the set mundu of Chendamangalam are made of Muslin and are plain white with a kasavu border, a border made of very fine threads of gold or silver. The yarn is handspun and it is because of the unique, long process of preparation and pre-weaving that got the Chendamangalam sarees the GI tag.The yarn is soaked for a week and stretched out before dawn, because the temperature is said to be ideal around that time of day. Chendamangalam textiles are synonymous with Kerala, and got the GI tag in 2012.
Suggested Read – Handlooms of Kerala – Holding onto the Flag of Tradition
6. Palakkad Maddalam
The Palakkad maddalam has a history that goes about eight hundred years back in history. It is a traditional drum made in Kerala and is used in several of Kerala’s traditional performing art forms like Kathakali and Krishnattam. It is considered divine- even Shiva was said to have danced to it. The can only be made by specialised craftsmen, who have an array of skills and tools including a special traditional set of chisels and hammers. It was given the GI tag in 2008.
7. Screw Pine Crafts of Kerala
The screw pine crafts of Kerala are said to have a history dating to the thirteenth century. The screw pine plant grows in abundance along the banks of the multiple water bodies of Kerala, and the crafts are primarily made in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The products made include wall hangings, baskets, and doormats and serve a variety of utilitarian purposes. The craft is mostly practised by women. They are unique for their material, designs and for the community of women who manufacture them. They were granted the GI tag in 2015.
Conclusion
The GI tagged products of a region represent the rich and unique cultural heritage and agricultural, cultural and handcrafting practices of a region. The GI tag products of Kerala are several and their uniqueness contributes to the state’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant economy. From its world-renowned spices to its exquisite handcrafted artefacts, Kerala offers a treasure trove of distinct products that showcase the region’s exceptional craftsmanship and natural resources. The combination of centuries-old traditional techniques and contemporary innovation has resulted in products that are both aesthetically pleasing and of exceptional quality, and have gained their due recognition with the GI tag.
