Authored By – Dr. Mohan Dewan
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign/mark allotted to an artefact or a commodity that originates in a particular region and has its own unique identity. A GI right empowers the bearer to restrict the indication from being used by any other person whose quality does not meet the required criteria. In India, Geographical Indication tags are governed under Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram
Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram is a classical double reed wind music instrument originating from South India. This flute-like instrument which also resembles a shehnai (a traditional North Indian music instrument) is used as a traditional instrument in Tamil Nadu. Originally, the artisans based in Narasinganpettai village, have inherited the skill if making these wooden instruments. This instrument is also known as ‘Nakaswaram’ which is used in various holy ceremonies taking place in Temples and occasions like weddings.
The instrument is made out of a tree called acha or Hardwickia Binate which is also used in making ropes. However, in today’s time, the instrument is made out of several other kinds of woods which include – sandalwood, bamboo, copper, ebony, etc. One of the artisans has also confirmed that they construct the beautiful instrument by making use of the wood from parts of old houses.
Recently, Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram has been given Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indication Registry of India. The application was filed on behalf of Thanjavur Musical Instruments Workers Co-operative Cottage Indutrial Society Limited. The GI application for registration of Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram was made on 31st January, 2014 which was then accepted on 21st January, 2022 the certificate number issued by the GI registry is 420.
There are many instruments that originate from Tamil Nadu consisting their own form and characteristics. Some of the instruments having their origin in Tamil Nadu are – the Tamil drum, Shruti box (Tamil Harmonium), Seevali, 7 mouthed pot and Muzavu (Tamil drum), Udukkai and Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram.
Mithila Makhana
Having their origin in Bihar and Nepal’s region called Mithila. Makhana, in today’s time are the most preferred snacks because of their high nutrition values which especially help in weight loss. These are a special variety of aquatic fox nuts cultivated in the Mithila region. These nuts are grown in ponds on a leaf, which are then collected, washed, sun-dried for hours and then roasted. This process specifically facilitates the outer shell of the nut to dry up and wither off which ultimately results in the fnal product of a white puff. Makhanas are best known for providing adequate amount of protein, fibre, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorous.
Mithila Makhanas are not only used for filling the nutritional gap, but are also served at various auspicious occasions such as the Kojagara Puja which is celebrated for newly married couples by Mithila Brahmins. To many people, these snacks are also famously called and referred to as fox nuts. These nuts, after being cultivated are processed by way of roasting them with hot sand. Roasting gives them a crispy texture which are thereafter mixed with various spices and flavours in order to convert them into indulgent snacks.
Recently, the Bihar Agriculture University facilitated for its Geographical indication tagging. Being registered in the name of Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh, Purnia, the GI tag has been duly registered in the month of April, 2022.