The State of Telangana has rich cultural heritage and is known for its unique traditional arts, handicrafts, traditional foods that has evolved over the centuries. Geographical Indication (GI) has been an important tool to protect these products by way of registration. Geographical Indication of Goods and products share a link between the product and its specific place of origin along with its uniqueness, human skill and artistry involved.
Geographical Indications can offer a comprehensive framework for rural development since they can positively encompass issues of economic competitiveness, stakeholder equity, environmental stewardship, and socio-cultural value. Geographical Indication also increases the contribution of handloom and handicrafts to the export earnings.
13 products of Telangana have been bestowed with Geographical Indication status as a distinct form of Intellectual Property Rights under WTO.
By release of Special Covers, Department of Posts intends to spread awareness about the Geographical Indication products. 4 covers were released on 23rd Jan, 2021. Presently, 5 Special Covers on Nirmal Furniture, Narayanpet Handloom Saris, Warangal Durries, Hyderabad Haleem and Siddipet Gollabhama Saris are being released.
a) Gollabhama Saris
Siddipet Gollabhama Saris are known for the use of Gollabhama (milkmaid) motifs that are woven into the fabric. Siddipet Gollabhama Sari was recognized with GI tag on 19.03.2012.
b) Narayanpet Handloom Saris
Narayanpet handloom saris have a distinct style of checked body, patterned border and a simple pallu. Narayanpet Handloom Sari was recognized with GI tag on 04.03.2013
c) Warangal Durries
The designs that are characteristic of Warangal durries are geometric, angular motifs used in tapestry weave structures and coloured horizontal stripes used on mats (jamkhans).Warangal Durrie was recognized with GI tag on 18.05.2018
d) Hyderabad Haleem
Hyderabad Haleem is a meat stew prepared during the holy Islamic month of Ramzan for consumption after the dawn to dusk fasting (roza). Hyderabad Haleem was recognized with GI tag on 03.09.2010
e) Nirmal Furniture
Nirmal Furniture, made of teak, does not use nails. Only wooden pegs and adhesives are used for assembling the furniture. Nirmal furniture was recognized with GI tag on 09.09.2008
“eShop”- eCommerce portal (www.eshop.tsposts.in)-Telangana Postal Circle’s yet another innovation initially showcased Postal Department’s own products like Philately stamps, ancillaries, Gangajal etc. During Sri Rama Navami, 1783 no. of “Sri Sita Ramachandra Swami Kalyanotsavam” seva were sold through eShop portal.
Now, eShop is being expanded to host products of artisans of Telangana, especially GI tagged products of Telangana. To start with Siddipet Gollabhama Saris(GI tagged product) is made available for sale in eShop portal. Citizens of all over India can purchase a variety of products from eShop.
