India’s Recent Geographical Indications (Part 1)

1. MANIPUR

A. Tamenglong Oranges

Originating from the Tamenglong district of Manipur, these oranges are popular for their sweet taste and acidic nature. These Tamenglong oranges contribute to more than half of the Manipur’s annual orange production. The product has been promoted by the state in the Orange festival held in December since over a decade

B. Hathei Chillies

Grown by the locals of the Sirarakhong village in the Ukhrul district of Manipur, the Hathei Chillies are consider to be ‘God’s gift’. It is believed that they were discovered by the villagers when they were hunting in the forests. The Sirarakhong Hathei is so popular that an annual festival is held to promote the chilli in August.

2. MAHARASHTRA

A. Alibaug’s White Onion

White onions are grown in Alibaug since ages with only traditional and genuine seeds. It has a special taste and color due to the soil texture in which it is grown and is different from the commonly available white onion. The white onions do not have a strong smell like the normal onions. The onion bulbs are tied in traditional plaits style and stored to keep the unique taste intact.

B. Palghar’s Wada Kolam Rice

Wada Kolam, also known as Zini or Jhini rice, is a traditionally grown in the Wada tehsil of Palghar, with the grain being off white in colour. Wada Kolam has been grown in Palghar for years. It is known for its small grain, aroma, taste and for being light for digestion. However, it is a low yielding crop.

3. RAJASTHAN

A. Rajasthan’s Sojat Mehendi (Henna)

Sojat Mehndi originates from mehndi leaves grown in Sojat. It is naturally cultivated by rainwater for getting high lawsone content in the mehndi leaves. The leaves of the mehndi plant, bark, seeds and root are taken for medicinal use. It gets its special colour due to the soil and rain conditions of the region. The mehndi leaves have 2% more of the pigment lawsone than leaves grown elsewhere.

4. TAMIL NADU

A. Karuppur Kalamkari Paintings

Kalamkari paintings are made on pure cotton cloth, predominantly used in temples for umbrella covers, cylindrical hangings, chariot covers and asmanagiri (false ceiling cloth pieces).

B. Kallakurichi Wood Carvings

Kallakurichi wood carvings are unique form of wood carvings that have ornamentation and designs, derived from traditional styles by the craftsmen.