India is home to one of the world’s most diverse craft heritages, where every region tells a story through its textiles, spices, art, and design. Yet, for decades, many of these indigenous treasures remained under-recognized in the global and domestic markets. This began to change with the introduction of Geographical Indications (GI) tags — a powerful legal and cultural tool that protects traditional products and empowers artisan communities.
What Is a GI Tag? A Geographical Indication is an intellectual property right given to products that originate in a specific region and owe their distinct characteristics to that region’s geography, climate, and traditional knowledge. Think of Darjeeling Tea, Mysore Sandalwood, or Bagru Block Print — all GI-tagged, and all steeped in cultural identity.
GI tags protect both craft authenticity and community livelihoods. They ensure that only those producing within the designated region and adhering to traditional methods can label their product with that name.
Why GI Tags Matter From an expert’s standpoint, GI tags are not just legal identifiers — they are a means of cultural preservation. They help: – Prevent cultural appropriation and mass imitation – Promote sustainable and ethical gifting – Increase visibility for rural artisans in global markets – Build pride in local identity and traditional knowledge
GI Tags and the Revival of Gifting Culture More and more, individuals are seeking gifts for her, anniversary gifts, and housewarming presents that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. A GI-tagged item — whether a Kullu shawl, Khavda pottery, or Kashmiri saffron — carries deep value. It transforms gifting from a transaction into a cultural gesture.
In Conclusion The story of GI tags in India is one of resilience and revival. As a bridge between craft heritage and conscious consumption, GI-tagged products are reshaping the narrative of what it means to gift well — with purpose, pride, and preservation at heart.
