The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai officially granted the prestigious Geographical Indication tag to Jharkhand’s traditional folk percussion instrument, the ‘Mandar’, honoring centuries of indigenous artisanal craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The recognition provides statutory intellectual property protection, ensuring that only certified rural artisans utilizing authentic regional materials and traditional fabrication techniques can market instruments under the protected geographical designation.
The Mandar, characterized by its resonant earthenware or seasoned wood barrel wrapped in specially cured animal hides and intricate leather webbing, holds a central place in the cultural traditions, sacred ceremonies, and seasonal agricultural festivities of tribal communities across Jharkhand. Artisans from regional tribal hamlets have carefully preserved the complex acoustic balancing techniques required to produce the instrument’s distinctive deep, rhythmic resonance.
State cultural authorities and tribal welfare organizations welcomed the GI certification, noting that legal recognition will protect indigenous makers from cheap industrial counterfeits and open lucrative national and international craft marketing avenues. State departments announced plans to establish dedicated artisanal clusters, provide raw material subsidies, and facilitate direct marketing channels to empower traditional music crafters.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources: