Quiz - Odisha Geographical Indications #OdishaGI

Here are five quiz questions to test your knowledge about the Geographical Indications of Odisha.
How many answers do you know?

1. You can see colourful lampshades and bags in this image. Identify this applique work of Odisha.

Ans1- Click here for the Answer


2. The bark of which tree is used to prepare the natural dyes that are used for this handloom fabric?

Ans2- Click here for the Answer

Rasagola Mahotsab

I open our fridge, and luckily there are Rasagolas in store!
When the Rasagola stock gets over, the shops have more!

Hurshi Sahoo's Rasagolas, Jatni, Odisha

Whenever we have visitors viz. when my uncles come,
They bring pots full of Rasagolas that are always welcome!

Rasagola is undoubtedly the object of my affection.
With the sweetness of Rasagolas, life is great fun!

Pattachitra depicting Niladri Bije and Rasagola (this art is on my Kurta)

Pipli Applique Work

I love colourful wall-hangings and lampshades. 

Whenever there are events in Odisha, we get to spot such bright decorations that enhance the beauty.

These are Pipli Applique Work.

Orissa Ikat #OdishaGIs

Ikat is a process of tie-and-dye weaving. Orissa Ikat is locally called “Bandha”. 

Orissa Ikat fabrics on Cotton, Silk, Tussar and their combinations are handlooms made through a special tie and dye yarn technique - either in warp or in weft or in both warp and weft threads, so called Warp Ikat, Weft Ikat or Double Ikat. 

Kotpad Handloom Fabric

Kotpad refers to the vegetable-dyed handloom fabrics of Odisha, India. Kotpad is named after the village where such weaving is being done from centuries. 

These natural handloom fabrics are handwoven by the tribal weavers (Mirgana caste) of Kotpad cluster of Koraput district in Southern Odisha.

Kotpad was the first product from Odisha that received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.  

The bark of ‘Aul’ tree is used to prepare the natural dyes. The bark is collected seasonally and stored for the year. It is dried and powdered. The powder is mixed with other oils and natural items for the dye. Many looms in the Kotpad cluster are engaged in the production of “Vegetable dyed Kotpad Handloom Fabrics”.

The motifs are universal (crab, fish, conch etc.) & regional (boat, axes, fan, temple, bow etc.) which reflects cross-cultural-linkages of the area. The motifs are manually developed by extra wefts.

Kotpad has been mostly used a bridal fabric and the tribal communities have been weaving this for centuries. Usually, the yarn is Cotton and Tussar. The products are sarees, shawls, dupattas, stoles, dress-materials, cushion-covers etc. Maroon and black colors are mostly used. It takes 3 weeks for the dyeing process and 3-4 weeks for the weaving. 

Kotpad products are suitable for all seasons.

I love the natural smell and colours of the Kotpad handloom fabric.

Kotpad is a GI of Odisha, India.

Type: Handicraft

GI Application# 10

Certificate Date: 2/6/2005

Ministry of Commerce & Industry organized an Exhibition of Geographical Indications (GI) at the GI Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) at New Delhi in Nov 2018. I represented Odisha GIs at the GI Pavilion at IITF. You can read more about the #OdishaGIs here. 
Let us all use GI products - the "invaluable treasures of incredible India", and encourage our artisans, weavers, and farmers.

Exhibition Of Geographical Indications Of India At IITF 2018

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and some private individuals and government and non-government bodies and trade and industry representatives viz. Geographical Indications Registry (GIR), Department of Industry Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), National Informatics Centre (NIC), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) etc. are focused on bettering trade prospects. 

This can be enabled with more Geographical Indications (GI) registration and empowering the artisans. Ministry of Commerce is promoting Intellectual Property (IP) and GIs with #LetsTalkIP hashtag. 

A Geographical Indication refers to a product that has a specific geographical history and origin and possesses qualities and reputation that are due to that origin. 

Recently, a new logo and tagline was adopted for GI. 
Geographical Indications are the "invaluable treasures of incredible India."

DIPP, in association with the above-mentioned bodies, is organizing an "Exhibition of Geographical Indications of India" at the 38th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2018 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 14-27, 2018. This is a welcome initiative to make the public aware about the GIs of India.

Geographical Indications Of Odisha

Odisha is a culturally-rich state in the eastern part of India.  
Centuries ago, the enterprising merchants from Odisha had established great trade and commerce with the South East Asian nations. They used to carry products from ancient Odisha to other nations. A grand fair named "Bali Jatra" is celebrated every year in Cuttack. It is reminiscent of the ancient "journey to Bali".

International trade has immense possibilities in today's age.  There is a huge role of Geographical Indications (GI). GI is an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) that is a community right. GI earns reputation for the region/state and earns additional business following the registration as a geographical indication product. It contributes to the increase in sales and exports.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.

An agricultural, natural or a manufactured cultural product is awarded this GI tag to protect manufacturers/producers, who produce these genuine products. GI products have brand value and the GI tag ensures a brand-awareness, brand-recall and premium pricing in the domestic and international markets.

The first GI for an Indian product was for the Darjeeling Tea in 2004-05.

Odisha has a rich cultural heritage.
There are many varieties of Odisha Agricultural products, Handicrafts and Handlooms. But, only a few have got GI. 
Kotpad Handloom was the first GI from Odisha.

I have shared about Handlooms of Odisha in my previous posts:

Handlooms of Odisha
Odisha India Handlooms