The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kolhapuris, the ethnic leather chappal (footwear) to four districts each in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
a. Banarasi
b. Kolhapuri
c. Amritsari
d. Jaipuria
Details:
- These 8 districts are- Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur and Satara districts of Maharashtra and Belgaum, Dharwad, Bagalkot and Bijapur districts of Karnataka.
About the Kolhapuri Chappal:
- These sturdy leather chappals are hand-crafted and tanned using vegetable dyes and the art of making them is passed down from one generation to another.
- As per the GI application made by the two states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Kolhapuris can be traced back to 12th century when King Bijjal ruled Bidar (in Karnataka).
- King’s Prime Minister Vishwaguru Basavanna, wanted to create a casteless society and remove the stigma attached to the cobbler community, thus, the community embraced the Lingayat faith and used its skills to start producing footwear that came to be known equally for its ruggedness and regal bearing.
- 'Kolhapuri' as a brand was created only at beginning of 20th century when the footwear began to be traded in Kolhapur (Maharashtra).
- Later, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur encouraged its production and 29 tanning centres were opened during his rule in Kolhapur.
Significance of this GI Tag:
- Getting GI Tag will open large markets, both domestic and international to artisans who produce Kolhapuris.
- Also, getting GI Tag for Kolhapuri means that the footwear produced only in these 8 districts will qualify to carry tag of being Kolhapuris.
- With GI tag now these local artisans get legal support. Thus, anyone who is going to copy this, can be punished.
What is Geographical Indications?
- GI is used on products/items which have specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
- The tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
One must know:
- The 1st product to get a GI Tag in India was Darjeeling tea (2004).
Question:
Q. The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has granted Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for which ethnic leather chappal (footwear)?a. Banarasi
b. Kolhapuri
c. Amritsari
d. Jaipuria
