Hyderabad Pearls Seek GI Tag Recognition

Fast Summary

• The pearls of Hyderabad, renowned for their quality and artistry, are being considered for Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognition.
• The move follows the recent GI tag awarded to HyderabadS lac bangles.
• Hyderabad Pearls are integral to the city’s identity as “The Pearl City of India.”
• Securing the GI tag aims to preserve centuries-old pearl craftsmanship while enhancing global recognition and improving visibility of local artisans.
• The submission process is facilitated by Resolute4IP in collaboration with Mandadi Sreeha Reddy,Nodal Officer for Toys Industry and GI at Telangana’s government,with support from local pearl merchants associations.
• Subhajit Saha of Resolute4IP has expressed that this initiative could provide protection for conventional practices while opening economic opportunities for artisans.

Image: A worker sorting pearls in Secunderabad. File | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

Indian Opinion Analysis

The potential GI tagging of Hyderabad Pearls underscores an essential effort to protect India’s rich cultural heritage while fostering economic growth. This move is critically important not only as a safeguard against imitation but also as a platform to increase international awareness about the city’s unique craftsmanship. By associating legal protection with traditional artistry, there is scope to empower artisan communities economically and promote tourism linked to heritage crafts.

Hyderabad has already gained attention through its lac bangles’ GI status, suggesting a growing commitment by local authorities toward preserving cultural products prone to commodification or loss over generations. However, realizing these benefits will depend on efforts beyond securing the tag-such as creating infrastructure that supports sustained trade volume and ensuring global markets access these protected items effectively.for further details:
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