Karuppur Kalamkari Paintings & Kallakurichi Wood Carvings of Tamil Nadu Get GI Tags
Recently, Karuppur Kalamkari paintings and Kallakurichi wood carvings of Tamil Nadu have been given Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Kalamkari paintings are handmade paintings on pure cotton fabric. They are mainly used in temples for umbrella cover, cylindrical pendant, chariot cover and asmanagiri (pieces of cloth of false ceiling).
Kalamkari means to make something with ‘pen’ or brush.
The art flourished under the patronage of the Nayak rulers in the early 17th century.
Wood carvings, ornamentation and designs derived from traditional styles are used by craftsmen in Kallakurichi.
In ancient times, when Madurai was an important city, the skill of wood carving developed as an indigenous art.
About Geographical Indication (GI) tag:
- A GI is an indicator used for products that have a specific geographical origin, quality, or reputation. These characteristics are acquired by them due to their region of origin.
- It is included under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- The Act is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act of 1999).
- Other products that got GI tag in Tamil Nadu: Kanyakumari Cloves, Dindigul Locks, Mahabalipuram Stone Statue, Nilgiri (Traditional) Tea, Virupakshi Pahari Banana, Thanjavur Dolls, Thanjavur Paintings, Kancheepuram Silk Sarees etc.
Source – The Hindu
