Why is Pashmina, the ‘Soft Gold,’ important for UPSC Exam?

Key Takeaways :

1. Pashmina, popularly known as cashmere wool, is well-known not just in India but also globally for its exquisite softness, warmth, and long life. It derives its name from pashmn – the under fleece of the mountain goat called Chyangra (Capra Hircus), which lives in the high altitude of 12,000 feet in the Himalayan regions

2. It is the preferred choice for many during the winter season as the thermal conductivity of this wool is very high, making it one of the best insulators.

3. The art of crafting pashmina has been part of Himalayan culture for centuries. Its hand-spun and handwoven nature imbues it with a human and historical essence. Many Himalayan families have been involved in this craft for generations, preserving not only a livelihood but also a rich cultural identity.

4. Pashmina shawls undergo a lengthy process involving hand-combing, spinning, weaving, and dyeing, which can take weeks or even months. The weaving is performed on traditional handlooms and is a meticulous process that requires immense skill. The production of a single Pashmina piece can take anywhere from months to years, depending on its complexity.

5. Kashmir’s Pashmina has received GI tag due to the unique traditional process employed by local artisans in the Kashmir Valley.

Geographical Indication & Intellectual Property Right in Handicrafts (& Handlooms) Sector

1. India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, that came into force with effect from 15th September 2003.

2. A Geographical Indication (GI) is a tag used on products that originate from a specific geographical area and have qualities or a reputation that are characteristic of that region. This tag signifies the product’s unique identity and authenticity. It helps to raise awareness and build trust among consumers.

3. Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed. The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection to that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports.

4. In India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, awards GIs. Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get the GI tag.

5. A GI registration is given to an area, not a trader, but once a product gets the registration, traders dealing in the product can apply to sell it with the GI logo. Authorised traders are each assigned a unique GI number.

6. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 Act provide for the registration of handicrafts and handlooms as Geographical Indications (GI). Handicraft (& Handlooms) is covered under Section 2(f) of the Act which states that “goods” means any agricultural, natural or manufactured goods or any goods of handicraft (& Handlooms) or of industry and includes food stuff.

7. Handicraft artisans & weavers can be registered as Authorized Users for the registered Geographical Indications as provided under Section 7(3) read with Section 17 of the Act.

Other GI Tagged Products from Jammu and Kashmir

BEYOND THE NUGGET: Major GI Tagged Products That Made Headlines in 2024

1. Tirupathi Laddu: There was alleged controversy over the adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of laddoos at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati. Notably, Tirupathi Laddu received the GI tag in 2009 which was renewed in 2018 and is applicable till 2028.

2.Veena: The Thanjavur Veena has become the first musical instrument in the country to get the GI (Geographical Indication) tag.

3. Majuli masks: The traditional Majuli masks in Assam were given a GI tag by the Centre on March 4, 2024. Majuli manuscript painting also got the GI label. Majuli, the largest river island in the world and the seat of Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition, has been home to the art of mask-making since the 16th century.The handmade masks are traditionally used to depict characters in bhaonas, or theatrical performances with devotional messages under the neo-Vaishnavite tradition, introduced by the 15th-16th century reformer saint Srimanta Sankardeva.

4. Rupa Tarakasi (silver filigree): The famous Rupa Tarakasi, or silver filigree work of Odisha’s Cuttack, received the GI tag last year. Odisha’s Cuttack is known for its silver filigree work, of intricate design and fine craftsmanship. In Odia, “tara” means wire and “kasi” means to design. Thus, as part of Rupa Tarakasi, silver bricks are transformed into thin fine wires or foils and used to create jewellery or showpieces.

5. Similipal Kai chutney: The chutney made with red weaver ants is a traditional delicacy of the tribals in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. The ants are found in the forests of Mayurbhanj, including in the Similipal forests – Asia’s second-largest biosphere. The chutney is believed to be a good source of nutrients like protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, etc. It got GI tag in January, 2024.

6. Koraput Kala Jeera Rice: The black-coloured rice variety, also known as the ‘Prince of Rice’, is famous for its aroma, taste, texture and nutritional value. Tribal farmers of the Koraput region have preserved the rice variety for around 1,000 years. As the rice grains resemble cumin seeds, it is also called Kala Jeera. Consumption of the rice variety helps in increasing haemoglobin levels and improves metabolism in the body. It got GI tag in January, 2024.

7. Kapdaganda shawl: Woven and embroidered by the women of the Dongria Kondh tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, the shawl reflects the rich tribal heritage of the Dongria Kondhs. It also got GI tag in 2024.

As per the Odisha State Tribal Museum, “Worn by both men and women this distinctive shawl is embroidered with red, yellow and green thread and is often presented during courtship as a sign of formal commitment.” (Via Odisha State Tribal Museum)

8. Odisha Khajuri Guda: Odisha’s “Khajuri Guda” or jaggery is a natural sweetener extracted from date palm trees and has its origin in the Gajapati district. Traditionally, the jaggery is prepared in a trapezoidal form called ‘Patali Gur’ and is organic by nature. It is dark brown and has a unique taste. It also got GI tag last year.

9. Dhenkanal Magji: It got GI tag last year. It is a type of sweet made from cheese from buffalo milk, with distinct characteristics in terms of appearance, taste, flavour, shape, and size. It also has unique nutritional values that distinguish it from other cheese-based sweets.

(Sources: From ceremonial shawls to heritage handlooms: Tracing the legacy of Kashmir’s ‘soft gold,’ Pashmina, Knowledge nugget of the day: Tirupati Laddu, Cuttack’s famed silver filigree work, GI tag for Majuli masks of Assam, From red ant chutney to black rice, the 7 Odisha products that have bagged GI tags)

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