UPSC Prelims 2015 Q99: Art & Culture – Festivals, Crafts & Folk Traditions
Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status?
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal - Bati - Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Geographical Indication (GI) status
A GI tag marks a product whose quality comes from its place of origin.
| Item | GI status? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees | Yes | Registered from Uttar Pradesh |
| 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma | No | A dish; not registered |
| 3. Tirupathi Laddu | Yes | Registered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams |
The GI system in India:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999; in force from 2003 |
| Registry | Chennai |
| First GI | Darjeeling Tea (2004) |
| Validity | 10 years, renewable |
| International basis | TRIPS Agreement of the WTO |
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Tirupathi Laddu also has GI status.
- (b) Incorrect. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma has no GI tag.
- (c) CORRECT. Banaras Brocades and Sarees and the Tirupathi Laddu have GI status.
- (d) Incorrect. Daal-Bati-Churma has not been accorded GI status.
Key point
GI tags: Banaras Brocades and Sarees, Tirupathi Laddu, Darjeeling Tea (first, 2004); GI Act 1999; registry at Chennai; valid 10 years.
Remember
GI: Banaras sarees and Tirupathi Laddu, yes; Daal-Bati, no.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every famous regional dish has a GI tag.
- Thinking GI covers only farm produce; it covers handicrafts and foodstuffs too.
- Forgetting the registry is in Chennai.
Exam tip
GI needs a registered product with a named producer body. A common household dish rarely qualifies.
Sources
- Geographical Indications Registry — Registered GIs of India
- Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999