Telangana is about to get 2 new Geographical Indication (GI) Tags – Tandoor Tur Dal and Hyderabad Lad Bazaar’s Lac Bangles. In addition to the above two, total GI tagged goods from Telangana would become 17.
In this column of Avaaz24, we shall discuss what GI tag is and what are Telangana’s GI tagged goods are.
What is Geographical Indication Tag?
Geographical Indication or GI Tag is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin. However, they are reputed for their special qualities.
GI Tags in India are given by Geographical Indications Registry which is located at Chennai. They are governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
As a result of GI Tag, a product gets legal protection and economic prosperity. Darjeeling Tea was the first product to get GI Tag in India (in 2004). Currently, India has 346 GI tagged products.
GI Tags of Telangana
We have 15 GI tagged products of Telangana.
1. Pochampally Ikkat
To begin with, Pochampally Ikkat got the first GI tag from Telangana in 2005. They are from Bhoodan Pochampally village, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. 
Pochampally Ikkat
Furthermore, Pochampally fabric has traditional geometric patterns dyed in classic “Paagadu bandhu” or Ikkat style.
2. Silver filigree of Karimnagar
During Nizam era, this art work received heavy patronage. Consequently, the art work got GI tag in 2007.
3. Cheriyal Scroll Paintings
Cheriyal scroll paintings are from Cheriyal village, Siddipet district. They got their GI tag in 2008. It is a stylized version of Nakashi art, painted in a narrative format. Moreover, the scrolls usually depict stories of Indian mythology.
4. Nirmal Toys and Crafts
Nirmal toys are made from softwood of white sander or Poniki tree. They got GI recognition in 2009.
5. Nirmal Furniture
In addition to the Toys, Nirmal furniture also got GI tag in 2009. These furniture works have influence from India schools of art like Kangra, Ajanta and Mughal miniatures.
6. Nirmal Paintings
Added to toys and furniture, Nirmal paintings got GI tag in 2019. These unique paintings have golden hues.
7. Gadwal saris
These hand woven saris are from Jogulamba Gadwal district. They got GI tag in 2010. They are notable for their zari. As a rule, Tirupati Brahmotsava idols are adorned with Gadwal saris.
8. Hyderabad Haleem
Originally, Haleem is an Arabic dish. Chaush people ( Arabian origin Muslims) got Haleem to Hyderabad state. It got its GI tag in 2010. However, the only food dish which has GI tag till date from Telangana is Hyderabad Haleem.
9. Pembarthi Metal craft
This is a unique sheet metal art work from Pembarthi, Jangaon district. It got GI tag in 2010.
10. Siddipet Gollabhama
These are cotton saris from Siddipet district. Gollabhama means milkmaid. These saris have images of Gollabhama as decorative motifs. Apart from Gollabhama motif, Bathukamma and Kolatam motifs are also seen on these saris. They got their tag in 2012.
11. Narayanpet Handloom Saris
These saris have checkered body and temple designs. They got GI tag in 2013.
Handloom weavers once travelled from Maharashtra to Narayanpet along with King Chattrapati Shivaji. Apparently, Narayanpet saris have Maharashtrian influence.
12. Telia Rumal
These are traditional handkerchiefs and scarves of Puttapaka village, Nalgonda district. They got GI tag in 2015.
The dyeing process involves Castor oil. For this reason, these fabrics are Telia. [Telia ~oil & Rumal~ Handkerchief]. The weaving pattern is of Ikkat. Further, it is usually in three colors. [red, black and white]
13. Banginapally Mangoes
[also called Beneshan, Chappatai or Safeda]
The primary centers of origin of these bright yellow, succulent mangoes are Kurnool district’s Banganapalle, Paanyam and Nandyal mandals. Telangana’s Khammam, Mahabubnagar, Ranga Reddy, Medak and Adilabad districts are secondary centers of origin. These mangoes got GI tag in 2017.
14. Warangal Durries
These are traditional vegetable dyed thick cotton rugs. Subsequently, they are washed in flowing water. They received GI tag in 2018.
15. Adilabad Dokra
This ancient bell metal craft is practiced by Wojaris/ Ojjis metal smiths. This craft got the GI tag in 2018. To illustrate, they use lost wax technique {Cire Perdu} to craft the metal.
Proposed products for new GI Tag:
Tandoor Tur Dal
Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University at Rajendranagar filed an application with GI registry at Chennai seeking a GI tag for Tandoor Tur Dal. This variety of Tur Dal grows in Tandur, Vikrabad district. It is known for its high quality. Moreover, the protein content has 22% protein content.
2. Lad Bazaar’s Lac Bangles
Lad Bazaar is near Charminar. These beautiful bangles are made from molten lac. Later on, they are shimmered with mirror work and precious stones. Hyderabad based Crescent handicraft Artisans Welfare Association filed an application for GI tag to these Lac bangles.
Interestingly, the word Laad (or Lad) means lacquer. Wife of 6th Nizam, Mir Mahaboob Ali Khan is Ladli Begum. Hence, the bazaar got its name as Laad Baazar.
In 1884, the then Viceroy Lord Ripon visited Chowmohalla Palace with his wife. Shops were set up across the street to impress the first Lady. These shops were collectively known as Lord Bazar. Consequently, the current name Laad Bazar is derived.
ALSO READ: 5G Spectrum Auction: Why is it called as a scam? Interesting Facts
 Tags – Tandoor Tur Dal and Hyderabad Lad Bazaar’s Lac Bangles){kind=link}