PUZHUVERKADU PANAI OLAI KAIVINAYI (HANDICRAFTS MADE FROM PULICAT PALM LEAVES)

TAG: GS-1: GEOGRAPHY & GS-3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (THDCL), popularly known as Poompuhar, has recently filed an application seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for ‘Puzhuverkadu Panai Olai Kaivinayi’ (handicrafts made from Pulicat palm leaves).

EXPLANATION:

About Puzhuverkadu Panai Olai Kaivinai (Pulicat palm leaf handicrafts):

  • The Pulicat region is home to various handicraft products made from palm leaves, which are indigenous to the area.
  • These palm leaves are harvested in April and May and dried for a day under the sun before further processing.
  • The leaves are then cut and dyed for crafting.

    • The Palm Leaf Co-Operative at Pulicat was started in 1959 by Janab Kaji Bava Sayedullah to improve the economic conditions of local artisans.
    • Originally composed of 20 male artisans, the co-operative gradually involved women from artisan families.

The handicrafts include Fishing baskets, Pooja baskets, Coin pouches, Pencil boxes, and Toys.

      • A traditional palm leaf rattle known as Kilukilupu, a popular eco-friendly toy.
    • A specific basket from Pulicat is also used for storing water in coconut plantations.

Historical Significance:

  • Pulicat has been a trading hub since the Vijayanagara empire.
  • The Dutch used palm leaves for packaging materials to ship goods like cotton, textiles, and fish products, due to their durability and water resistance.

Crafting Techniques:

  • Two primary techniques are used:
    • Plaiting (Thadukku Mudichal)
    • Lace Coiling (Kannu Mudichu)
  • Transition to Women’s Craft Society:
    • In 1979, the society was transformed into the Pulicat Women Palm Leaf Cane & Bamboo and Allied Products Workers Industrial Cooperative Society Ltd.
    • It now has over 200 artisans, mostly women, with artisan cards issued by the Handicrafts Department.

 

Source:  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/gi-tag-sought-for-pulicat-palm-leaf-handicrafts/article68725495.ece

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