Geographical Indication (GI)- Handlooms of India

Introduction: Protecting India’s Cultural and Craft Legacy

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products that originate from a specific geographical region and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics unique to that location. These products often represent the heritage and traditional knowledge of a community passed down through generations.

India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect on 15 September 2003. The GI tag ensures that only authorized users residing within the defined geographical territory can use the product’s name, protecting its authenticity and heritage.

Darjeeling Tea became India’s first GI-tagged product in 2004–05. By May 2017, over 295 products across categories like handicrafts, textiles, food, and agricultural produce had received GI registration, highlighting India’s immense cultural and artisanal diversity.

To celebrate this remarkable legacy, the Department of Posts released a set of Commemorative Postage Stamps on GI Registered Handloom Products, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship that define India’s textile heritage.

Baluchari Saree – The Woven Epics of Bengal

The Baluchari Saree from West Bengal is an exquisite silk creation renowned for its intricate motifs and storytelling designs woven into the fabric. The name “Baluchari” originates from Baluchar, an area in Murshidabad district.

The craft traces its roots to the 16th century, when expert weavers from Varanasi migrated to Bengal and settled in Baluchar. Patronized by Nawabs and aristocrats, these sarees are distinguished by their rich colors and elaborate patterns inspired by mythological tales and court scenes, woven into the borders and pallus.

Each Baluchari Saree is a masterpiece of traditional weaving, symbolizing the refinement and cultural richness of Bengal’s textile tradition.

Bhagalpur Silk – The Pride of the Ganges

The town of Bhagalpur, situated on the southern bank of the River Ganga in Bihar, has been a center of silk production for centuries. Often called the ‘Silk City of India’, Bhagalpur is renowned worldwide for its high-quality silk fabrics and sarees.

The region produces a variety of silk types, including Mulberry, Tasar, and blends. Yarn types such as Reeled Tasar, Katiya, Gichha, Balkal, and Dupion are used to create diverse textile products. The lustrous texture and natural elegance of Bhagalpur silk have made it a favorite among designers and connoisseurs alike.

Kashmir Pashmina – The Fabric of Warmth and Grace

The legendary Pashmina of Kashmir represents luxury, warmth, and unmatched softness. The craft originated from the ingenuity of Kashmiri inhabitants who sought to protect themselves from harsh Himalayan winters.

The raw material, Pashm, is derived from the soft undercoat of the Changthangi goat (Capra hircus) found in the high altitudes of Ladakh and Tibet. This fine fleece is hand-spun and woven into delicate shawls, scarves, and wraps.

Revered for centuries, Kashmir Pashmina continues to be a global symbol of craftsmanship and elegance — a true embodiment of India’s textile artistry.

Pochampally Ikat – The Tied and Dyed Wonder of Telangana

Pochampally Ikat, from Bhoodan Pochampally in Telangana, is celebrated for its complex tie-and-dye technique. The process involves tying sections of yarn in specific patterns before dyeing, ensuring that only the exposed portions absorb color.

The dyed yarns are then woven to create mesmerizing geometric and traditional motifs that appear identical on both sides of the fabric — a hallmark of true Ikat weaving. Pochampally’s artistic excellence has earned it the title “Silk City of India”, and its sarees continue to be cherished both in India and abroad for their symmetry, precision, and vibrant hues.

Tangaliya Shawl – Dotted Elegance from Gujarat

The Tangaliya Shawl is a rare and intricate handloom art form practiced by weavers in Saurashtra, Kutch, and Surendranagar districts of Gujarat. This 700-year-old weaving craft is distinguished by its unique method of creating tiny dots on fabric.

Artisans twist contrasting-colored threads around warp threads in predetermined patterns, resulting in raised bead-like dots that form intricate motifs. The shawls and textiles thus created are not only beautiful but also reflect the identity and skill of the Tangaliya community.

Each Tangaliya Shawl is a tribute to Gujarat’s weaving heritage — vibrant, enduring, and proudly Indian.

Conclusion: Weaving India’s Identity

The GI-tagged handloom products showcased through these commemorative stamps highlight the depth and diversity of India’s textile tradition. From the luxurious Pashmina of the north to the elegant Baluchari of the east, from Bhagalpur’s silk to Gujarat’s Tangaliya weave — each fabric tells a story of skill, tradition, and regional pride.

Through this stamp issue, the Department of Posts honors not just these remarkable handloom products, but also the craftspeople whose artistry continues to define India’s cultural and creative legacy.