TAG: GS-3: ECONOMY
CONTEXT: Recently, the Chennai-based Geographical Indications (GI) Registry has granted GI tag to eight traditional products of Assam.
EXPLANATION:
Why Bodo community is in the news
The Bodo community is believed to be one of the earliest settlers in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, having come from Tibet via Bhutan. The Bodos are the largest minority community in Assam. Cultural richness: Assam is known for its rich culture, including traditional dance, music, and religious practices, with Bathouism being an important belief system.
- The Bodo Traditional Brewers Association applied for GI tags for three unique varieties of rice beer made by the Bodo community. These include:
- Bodo Jou Gwran: Contains the highest alcohol content among Bodo rice beers, around 16.11%.
- Maibra Jou Bidwi (Maibra Jwu/Zwu Bidwi): Served as a traditional welcome drink by Bodo tribes. Prepared by fermenting half-cooked rice with minimal water, using ‘amao’ (a yeast source) to aid fermentation.
- Bodo Jou Gishi: Another rice-based alcoholic beverage, traditionally fermented. Believed to have originated from Lord Shiva, and often consumed as a medicinal drinkby the Bodo people.
Other GI Tagged Products from Assam:
- Assamese Bihu Dhol: The two-faced drum is an iconic instrument in Assam’s folk culture, played with both a stick and hand.
- Assamese Jaapi: Tokou Pat and a traditional bamboo hat made of densely woven bamboo or cane are a symbol of pride in Assam and were historically used for protection from sun and rain.
- Sarthebari Metal Craft: The handicraft industry from Barpeta, known for its bell-metal products, engages around 2000 artisans.
- Panimeteka Craft (Water Hyacinth): This product, made from water hyacinth, has gained recognition.
- Mising Taat (Handloom): Handwoven textiles made by the Mising community play a significant role in Assamese culture.
- Asharikandi’s Exquisite Terracotta Works: The beautiful terracotta creations from Asharikandi are an essential part of Assamese cultural heritage.
What is Geographical Indication (GI)Tags?
- GI is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.
- It is also a part of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
- GI tag in India is governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).
- The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.
- The GI protection in India leads to recognition of the product in other countries thus boosting exports.
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