Why is it in the News?

The recent addition of Ajrakh from Kutch to the list of GI-tagged fabrics is a proud moment for India's rich textile heritage.

What is Ajrakh?

• The Ajrakh fabric is a traditional hand-block printing technique that originated in Kutch, Gujarat.
• It uses natural dyes and intricate patterns to create beautiful textiles, which are then used to make sarees, dupattas, stoles, and other garments.
• The unique feature of Ajrakh is its use of geometric patterns and rich earthy colours like indigo, madder, and mustard.
• This fabric has been an integral part of the Kutchi culture for centuries and has now gained recognition on a global level with its GI tag.

What is a GI tag?

• The GI tag is a certification that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical location and possessing unique qualities due to that region's traditional knowledge and expertise.
• It not only adds value to the product but also protects it from imitation or misuse.
  • Ajrakh's GI tag was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry after a long process of documentation and verification of its origin and production techniques.

Some other Indian textiles have received similar recognition.

• Banarasi Silk: The luxurious Banarasi silk sarees from Varanasi have been coveted by women all over the world for their exquisite designs and fine quality.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its uniqueness in design, weaving technique, and use of pure silk and zari.
  • The intricate designs of Banarasi silk sarees, inspired by Mughal and Persian art, make them stand out in the sea of Indian textiles.
• Chanderi Fabric: Chanderi, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, is known for its delicate and lightweight fabric.
  • Chanderi sarees and suits are made from a combination of cotton and silk, giving them a sheer and lustrous appearance.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its traditional handloom weaving technique, which dates back to the 13th century.
  • The motifs used in Chanderi fabrics are inspired by nature and are intricately woven using golden zari.
• Kanjeevaram Silk: The Kanjeevaram sarees from Tamil Nadu are famous for their vibrant colours, fine silk, and intricate zari work.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its traditional weaving technique that uses three shuttles to weave the body, border, and pallu of the saree separately and then join them together.
  • The rich gold zari work on Kanjeevaram sarees makes them a must-have in every Indian woman's wardrobe.
• Kota Doria: One of the many varieties of sari clothing produced in Muhammadabad Gohna, Mau in Uttar Pradesh and the surrounding area, as well as in Kota, Rajasthan, is kota doria.
  • Pure cotton and silk are used to make sarees, which are adorned with square-like designs called khats.
  • Since these sarees were woven in Mysore, they were originally known as Masuria.
  • The GI tag was given to Kota Doria in July 2005. Kota Doria cotton sarees are regarded as the lightest in India because of their transparency and low weight.
• Odisha Ikat: One type of ikat, which is a resist dyeing method, comes from Odisha and is called Orissa Ikat.
  • It is sometimes referred to as "Bandha of Orissa" and has been an Orissan product since 2007.
  • To produce the design on the loom before weaving, the warp and weft threads are tie-dyed.