Geographical Indication Tags (GI) – The prized gems from across India
Bikaner – A Street Food Paradise (6/29/2020) - Bikaner is a land of staggering wealth, beauty, music, culture and food so unique that it will surely send you to a heavenly world for a few hours at least! Bikaner, situated in the middle of the Thar desert is a princely state since about the 15th century. What is quite remarkable is the staunch... Continue Reading →
Govind Bhog Rice and Katarni Rice of Bihar (7/23/2020) - The legendary Govind Bhog rice that derives its name from its usage as the main ingredient in the preparation of offerings to Lord Govinda has a very interesting history behind its cultivation in the Kaimur district of Bihar. Mokri village that is situated under the Maa Mundeshwari hill of Kaimur district of Bihar is... Continue Reading →
Kodaikanal Malai Poondu (7/24/2020) - The picturesque Kodaikanal Hills in Dindigul district is famous for its lush greenery, ancient temples of Lord Murugan and of course, the exotic Kodaikanal Malai Poondu (Kodaikanal Hill Garlic). Also known as Melmalai Poondu, this centuries-old indigenous crop is known for its medicinal and preservative properties. The heady aroma and unique taste are attributed... Continue Reading →
Meerut Scissors (7/27/2020) - The vibrant city of Meerut with its rich history and culture is famous for its unique, inexpensive and one-of-a-kind scissors. The scissor manufacturing industry has been thriving in Meerut since the 17th century. Locals say that a resident blacksmith by the name of Akhunji combined two swords to cut leather in 1645 during the Mughal... Continue Reading →
Kannauj – Perfume capital of India (7/28/2020) - Strategically located on the banks of River Ganga, the city of Kannauj was once an important trading hub for Indian perfumes, spices and silks that were sent mainly to the countries in the Middle East. The city has a glorious history with its strong connections to the Ramayana and Mahabharat as well as being the... Continue Reading →
Kanpur Saddlery (7/30/2020) - Roughly three hundred years ago (1800s), British officers living in Kanpur started the British India Corporation (BIC) in the ‘Harness Factory’ presently known as the ‘Ordnance Equipment Factory’ at Kanpur to cater to the needs of the British Army and Police. They taught local tanneries to make saddles for their horses, army boots and shoes.... Continue Reading →
Gorakhpur Terracotta (8/1/2020) - The highly acclaimed terracotta of Gorakhpur made from the special soil found in Bhathat area of Uttar Pradesh stands testimony to thousands of years of traditional art. The richness of this art seen in the different designs and types of bells, vases, Ganeshas, Buddhas, tables, elephants with mahouts, deer, horses, bullock carts, horse carts, lamps... Continue Reading →
Chak-hao of Manipur (8/3/2020) - Chak-hao, an indigenous black rice has been cultivated in the plains and hills of Manipur and Nagaland for centuries. This scented glutinous rice has an intense dark purple-hued outer bran layer which almost looks black, a distinctive fragrance and taste. The two varieties of Chak-hao namely Chak-hao Poireiton and Chak-hao Ambui are used largely for... Continue Reading →
Magahi Paan (8/11/2020) - Paan ka patha or betel leaf has been inherent in the ancient culture of India where it features as an important symbolism in the lives of aristocrats as well as commoners. Its use in India dates back to 400 BC where ancient books of Ayurveda, Charaka, Sushruta and others mention the importance of chewing betel leaf... Continue Reading →
Himachali Chulli Oil (8/11/2020) - Even though chulli or wild apricot grows abundantly in the districts of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Sirmour, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti of Himachal Pradesh, it is primarily identified with Kinnaur. Chulli oil or otherwise locally known as ‘Gutti ka tel’ is extracted from the kernels of wild apricots in almost all the households for domestic consumption. ... Continue Reading →
Srivilliputtur Palkova (8/13/2020) - Srivilliputtur is not only famous for Sri Aandal temple but also for the legendary ‘palkova’ – a sweet made from cow’s milk and sugar. Locals say that it has been traditionally manufactured and sold since 1940 and is the main cottage industry of the Srivilliputtur area. The history of this delicious palkova can be... Continue Reading →
Sirsi Supari (8/14/2020) - Chewing areca nut or betel nut or ‘supari‘ as it is commonly known has been prevalent for at least 2000 years if not more with its history being traced back to the Aryans. It is believed that areca nut or supari has been grown extensively since the Vedic period. One finds innumerable references of... Continue Reading →
Byadagi Chilli (Byadgi Chilli) of Karnataka (8/18/2020) - The Byadagi Chilli that is mainly grown in the districts of Dharwad, Haveri and Gadag in the state of Karnataka is famous for its essentially sweet and not spicy nature and its importance in the oleoresin industry. Byadagi chillies are fully wrinkled, long in size and have the highest level of dark red in the... Continue Reading →
Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai (8/20/2020) - In the 1940s, Ponnambala Nadar, a resourceful grocery store owner decided to use sugarcane jaggery (gur) and peanuts to make the kadalai mittai shifting from the traditional preparation of Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai using palm jaggery and groundnuts locally available in nearby districts. Locals say that for decades Kovilpatti kadalai mittai was prepared during village festivals... Continue Reading →
Allahabad Surkha Guava (8/24/2020) - A famous poet Akbar Allahabadi from Prayagraj had once remarked in the late 1800s that the guava of Allahabad is a divine fruit whose rightful place is in the land of God. His words it would appear carries tremendous weight as over the years, Allahabad Surkha Guava is often called as a heavenly delight by... Continue Reading →
Jeeraphool Rice of Chhattisgarh (8/25/2020) - Chhattisgarh, traditionally known as the rice bowl of India is home to over 20,000 varieties of indigenous rice. The somewhat wild types, cultivated types, aromatic and non-aromatic rice have a vast diverse presence throughout the state. Each district in Chhattisgarh has a unique aromatic rice variety that has been in existence for hundreds of years.... Continue Reading →
Shahi Litchi of Bihar (8/26/2020) - Litchi or lychee was initially introduced in Bengal and gradually spread to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The humid conditions and alluvial soil which is rich in calcium in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga as well as nearby areas proved ideal for litchi cultivation in Bihar. In fact, litchi has been an important fruit crop of Muzaffarpur... Continue Reading →
Nirmal Toys and Craft of Telangana (8/31/2020) - Nirmal craft draws its name from one of the most famous rulers of the 17th century namely Nimma Naidu who was a great patron of arts. Seeing the exquisite detailing and craftsmanship of the toys, He encouraged the art of toy-making that thrived during his reign and brought fame to the town of Nirmal in... Continue Reading →
Etikoppaka Toys of Andhra Pradesh (9/1/2020) - The art of making traditional wooden Etikoppaka toys, popularly known as Lakkapidathalu is more than 400 years old. The quaint village of Etikopakka located on the banks of the river Varaha is renowned for its lacquer coated wooden toys and this art of toy-making also known as turned wood lacquer craft was patronized by affluent landlords... Continue Reading →
Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware and Toys (9/2/2020) - For many years, Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh was considered to be one of the largest toy-making centres in India. This ancient craft is believed to have received great patronage from many kings as well as from the Mughals and British. There is not much information available about the origin of this craft... Continue Reading →
Uttarakhand Tejpat (9/7/2020) - The aromatic Indian Bay Leaf is one of the oldest and most popular spices used in most cuisines of the world. The active ingredient Cinnamaldehyde is found in high quantity in the famed Uttarakhand Tejpat also known as Meetha Tejpat and used in the preparation of Chyavanprash, Ayurvedic medicines and in the spice industry. Uttarakhand Tejpat... Continue Reading →
Odisha Rasagola (9/8/2020) - Historical records of the origin of the mouth-watering Odisha Rasagola dates back to at least 800 years. There is a sacred tradition of rasagolas offered to Lord Jagannath as part of bhog for centuries. It is believed that the culinary delight formed a significant part of the age-old rituals of Niladri Bije of the Jagannath temple... Continue Reading →
Naga Tree Tomato (9/9/2020) - Nagaland is a North eastern Indian state rich in vegetation and famous for its organic farming. The unique traits of the fertile soil, subtropical climate and average annual rainfall ranging from 1800 mm – 2500 mm has aided the production of organic crops as well as traditional farming methodology. Naga tree tomato according to... Continue Reading →
Ratlami Sev of Madhya Pradesh (9/14/2020) - Ratlam, now a small town in the Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh was actually a princely state with great culture and heritage. Formerly known as Ratnapuri, Ratlam now is an important junction in Madhya Pradesh and most of the long-distance trains from West and South of India pass through this junction while travelling northwards. The... Continue Reading →
Kandhamal Haladi of Odisha (9/15/2020) - Kandhamal in the southern-central part of the state of Odisha is famous for its aromatic turmeric called as Kandhamal turmeric after the region where it is cultivated. Haladi as turmeric is known in Odia has been grown in this region for centuries by the tribals. About 60 – 70 percent of the area is hilly with... Continue Reading →
Gulbarga Tur Dal of Karnataka (9/16/2020) - Gulbarga or Kalaburagi as it is known now is often called the ‘red gram bowl’ of Karnataka. Coined as the ‘land of tur dal’, Gulbarga accounts for the highest red gram production in Karnataka and roughly about a tenth of India’s total production. The tur dal or pigeon pea grown here is of superior quality... Continue Reading →
Kalanamak Rice of Uttar Pradesh (9/21/2020) - Kalanamak (‘Kala’ means black derived from the husk and the suffix ‘namak’ means salt) is one of the finest quality aromatic rice grown in India. This scented variety has been cultivated since 600 BC i.e., since and probably before the Buddhist era. It is also known as ‘Buddha rice’ as it is believed that Mahatma... Continue Reading →
Himachali Kala Zeera (9/22/2020) - Himachali Kala Zeera or black cumin is one of the most economically important medicinal plant and spice that grows largely in Himachal Pradesh. Generally known to be found as a wild plant in the forests and grassy slopes of the North-Western Himalayas, kala zeera thrives in the high mountainous regions of Kinnaur, Kullu, Chamba, Shimla,... Continue Reading →
Dharwad Pedha (9/23/2020) - There are many stories swirling around the origin of the legendary Dharwad pedha. One story suggests that the jahagirdars (zamindars) of Hebballi, a village near Dharwad brought Ayodhya Prasad Mishra from Varanasi back in 1895. The jahagirdar used to visit Uttar Pradesh frequently to buy horses and thus, along with Ayodhya Prasad, started the migration of the Thakurs to Dharwad.... Continue Reading →
Mango Malihabadi Dusseheri of Uttar Pradesh (9/28/2020) - The famous Malihabad in the Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh is synonymous with mangoes. Popularly known as the mango capital of India, it is home to over 700 varieties of mangoes which on an average fetch about 150 crore every season! There is an eternal bond between mangoes and Awadh. The mangoes were not... Continue Reading →
Naga Mircha (9/29/2020) - A truly exotic organic crop from the hilly state of Nagaland renders a fiery experience of massive proportion! Nagaland’s interesting folklore mentions Chüdi (Angami language, “King of Hotness”) and Chaibe (Zeliangrong language, “Leader/Chieftain”) – the regional titles conferred on the famed Naga mircha holding it in great esteem. The traditional Naga chilli is considered to be a variant of the... Continue Reading →
Waigaon Turmeric (9/30/2020) - India is the world’s leading producer and exporter of turmeric with a staggering average of 46,500 tons of turmeric exported each year valued at approximately Rs 4,689 million! Besides, the established varieties grown in different parts of the country, there are at least seventeen known variants that have an impressive curcumin content ranging from 2.8... Continue Reading →
Bhalia Wheat of Gujarat (10/5/2020) - Locals say that Bhalia wheat that is largely cultivated in Bhal region of Gujarat derives its name from the Sanskrit word bhalah meaning forehead suggestive of the flatness of this region like one’s forehead. As bizarre as that may sound, the land is indeed extremely flat with barely any change in landscape or any sort of... Continue Reading →
Devanahalli Pomello of Karnataka (10/6/2020) - Bablimas or chakota or chakotara is probably coming from this word called pampa limāsu or from pamplemousse (in French) which means big citrus. The origin however of the more commonly used term of pomelo is unknown. As such, pomelo is loosely associated with grapefruit and though the Devanahalli pomello shares a deep historic ancestry with the grapefruit, it succeeds in creating its own unique... Continue Reading →
Mahabaleshwar Strawberry of Maharashtra (10/7/2020) - Mahabaleshwar, an idyllic summer getaway for the Bombay province during the British Raj was formally introduced to the English strawberries in the 1920s. This delectable red fruit called the Australian strawberry grown by the British in their gardens was looked upon by locals with great curiosity who were clueless about their taste and just intrigued... Continue Reading →
Kachai Lemon of Manipur (10/12/2020) - The exotic Kachai Champra or Kachai lemon commonly known as the ‘pride of Manipur’ is found only in the remote village of Kachai in the Ukhrul district in the North eastern state of Manipur. This village is the highest producer of lemon in Manipur and one may wonder, what makes this lemon so striking? ... Continue Reading →
Khasi Mandarin of Meghalaya (10/13/2020) - Commonly called ‘The King of Oranges’ and ‘pride of Meghalaya’, the renowned Khasi Mandarin of Meghalaya has bagged one of the coveted positions in the world’s first food atlas. The North eastern state of Meghalaya is considered to be one of the richest biodiversity hotspots of the world and known for its exotic flora and... Continue Reading →
Tripura Queen Pineapple (10/14/2020) - The beautiful hilly North eastern state of Tripura is said to derive its name from the Goddess of the State, Shree Tripurasundari. Though Tripura was famous in the late 1800s to early 1900s for its aromatic tea, it has now gained universal recognition for its wide range of exotic subtropical and tropical fruits and vegetables.... Continue Reading →
Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger (10/19/2020) - The picturesque hilly district of Karbi Anglong is one of the leading ginger producing belts of Assam that is fast gaining importance in both the domestic and international markets for its superior quality organic ginger. More than 30 percent of Karbi Anglong district is a dense tropical forest cover on hills and plains. The district is... Continue Reading →
Sikkim Large Cardamom (10/20/2020) - Large cardamom or bada elaichi is an exotic ancient spice and medicinal herb prized for its complex aroma grown across the Eastern Himalayan region that includes Sikkim, the Darjeeling Hills in West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh. The crop is believed to have first been cultivated by the indigenous Lepcha tribe who used to collect the large cardamom... Continue Reading →
Sikkim’s Dalle Khursani (10/21/2020) - Sikkim has built up a rather formidable reputation for its superior organic farming methods and perhaps, this is the reason why the quality of indigenous vegetables, spices and fruits are undisputedly the best. One of the most famous produce of Sikkim is Dalle Khursani. Dalle Khursani is a red hot cherry pepper grown widely in... Continue Reading →
Bangalore Rose Onion of Karnataka (10/26/2020) - Bangalore rose onion or gulabi eerulli as it known locally is a unique variety of onion that is found only in and around Bangalore in the state of Karnataka. This particular rose onion is exclusively grown for the export market in one of the 16 taluks or districts of Bengaluru urban, Bengaluru rural, Kolar and Chikkaballapur in about 5,000... Continue Reading →
Memang Narang of Meghalaya (10/27/2020) - Meghalaya, famous for its rich and diverse flora and fauna is home to one of the rarest wild Indian orange species called Memang narang that is found only in Garo Hills. This wild orange was discovered by accident in the Nokrek National Park in the West Garo Hills which led to the park being recognized... Continue Reading →
Kolhapur Jaggery of Maharashtra (10/28/2020) - Since the 18th century, Maharashtra has been well-known for its extensive jaggery production business, so much so that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj came up with the ingenious idea to establish the first market yard of jaggery to fulfil all its requirements and services. Kolhapur district located in the western part of Maharashtra has been widely accepted... Continue Reading →
Bhagalpuri Zardalu of Bihar (11/2/2020) - Though Zardalu might not find mention among the top varieties of mangoes in India that include Dusseheri, Langra and Alphonso, this mid-season fragrant mango is now much sought-after outside the districts of Banka and Munger in Bihar and slowly getting the recognition it duly deserves. Zardalu or Jardalu as it is also known as,... Continue Reading →
Bangalore Blue Grapes of Karnataka (11/3/2020) - Grape cultivation in the state of Karnataka can be traced back to the 18th century when the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad brought this exotic fruit to the regions of Belgaum, Bidar, Bagalkot, Bijapur and Gulbarga. Over time, various varieties typical to that region’s climatic conditions and soil health were grown by farmers leading to a... Continue Reading →
Tezpur Litchi of Assam (11/4/2020) - The North Eastern state of Assam unknown to many is a rich biodiversity zone with thriving flora and fauna. Assam is known for its tropical rainforests, bamboo orchards, national parks as well as varied indigenous agricultural and fruit crops. One of the most famous organic produce of Assam is Tezpur litchi. Tezpur litchi is... Continue Reading →
Purandar Fig of Maharashtra (11/9/2020) - The journey of the famed Purandar fig began in the late 1300s when Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the seat of power from Delhi to Daulatabad. A few people he used to keep company with who were well acquainted with the cultivation of fruits typical to Central Asia started growing these in the dry area of... Continue Reading →
Lasalgaon Onion of Maharashtra (11/10/2020) - Lasalgaon, situated in Niphad taluk of Nashik district is the biggest market for onions not only in India but in Asia! Maharashtra is the biggest producer of onions in the country and unknown to many, the famed Lasalgaon onion also known as Niphad red or Nashik red influences the rate of onion in the Asian... Continue Reading →
Arunachal Orange (11/11/2020) - Arunachal mandarin orange more commonly known as Wakro orange (deriving its name from the place where it is grown extensively in Arunachal Pradesh) is the oldest cultivated fruit crop in the state. Citrus is by far the largest grown horticultural crop in Arunachal Pradesh and Arunachal orange accounts for almost 90 percent of the total... Continue Reading →
Solapur Pomegranate of Maharashtra (11/16/2020) - Pomegranate or anar or dalimb as it is known in the local language is said to have its origin in Baluchistan in Iran and the Himalayas. The cultivation of pomegranate began in the late 1960s in Solapur district. Locals say that in 1972, Solapur faced extreme drought and emphasis was laid on increasing the cultivation... Continue Reading →
Kumaon Chyura Oil of Uttarakhand (11/17/2020) - Chyura or Indian Butter Tree (Diploknema Butyracea), largely found at an altitude of 1600 m is one of the most economically important but lesser known and underutilized multipurpose tree of the Himalayas. This Kalpabriksha or Kalpavriksha as it is known in Uttarakhand has an ancient association of spiritual and cultural importance with the indigenous communities of... Continue Reading →
Balaghat Chinnor, Madhya Pradesh (11/18/2020) - Balaghat, commonly called as the rice bowl of Madhya Pradesh produces one of the finest indigenous varieties of rice in the country. The Chinnor rice is a native of Balaghat district and finds mention in several literature and historical texts. According to the farmers, Chinnor is derived from chiknaiyukt nokdaar sugangdhit chavur where chi comes from chiknaiyukt, no from nokdaar and... Continue Reading →
Munsyari Rajma of Uttarakhand (11/23/2020) - The famed Munsyari rajma derives its name from Munsyari, situated at the entrance of Johar valley (used to be an important trade route with Tibet in ancient times) in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 7,200 feet. Munsyari rajma or rajmash as it is popularly known is a valuable cash crop grown in North Western Himalayan... Continue Reading →
Naga Cucumber (11/24/2020) - Cucumber is said to have been cultivated by many indigenous communities in India for more than 3,000 years. Cucumber has been grown by tribals in Nagaland for centuries. It is one of the most important crops of the North Eastern states and Nagaland ranks fifth in area under cultivation and third in production. The... Continue Reading →
Rataul Mango of Uttar Pradesh (11/25/2020) - The Rataul mango was discovered by the renowned mango aficionado, Sheikh Mohammed Afaq Faridi (grandson of the late Abdur Razzak who cultivated the first mangoes in Rataul in the late 1800s) while taking a stroll in a farm. Sheikh Mohammed Afaq Faridi was so passionate about mangoes that he could tell the variety just by... Continue Reading →
Hathei Chilli of Manipur (11/30/2020) - Hathei chilli or umoruk as it is called in the local dialect is considered to be God’s gift and the pride of Ukhrul for the people of Sirarakhong. This special chilli along with the seven other organically grown varieties of chilli in Manipur have been cultivated for generations. Hathei chilli thrives only in the Mahadev... Continue Reading →
Ajara Ghansal Rice, Ajara Taluka, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra (12/1/2020) - Scented rice has always been a prized possession in regional economies since the days of yore. Different varieties of indigenous scented rice have been cultivated in different parts of India since ancient times. Both Charaka and Sushruta have extolled the medicinal values of fragrant rice in their respective treatise. Ajara Ghansal rice grown in... Continue Reading →
Sangli Turmeric of Maharashtra (12/9/2020) - Sangli located in the western part of Maharashtra is considered to be the largest and most important trading centre for turmeric in Asia. Popularly known as the ‘Saffron City’, Sangli has been cultivating its world-famous turmeric since the 1900s. It is said that large quantities of Sangli turmeric used to be exported through the Rajapur... Continue Reading →- बिहार का गोविंद भोग और कटारनी चावल (Govind Bhog Rice and Katarni Rice of Bihar) (12/9/2020) - बिहार का सुप्रसिद्ध चावल “गोविंद भोग” जैसा कि इसके नाम से ही पता चलता है, भगवान गोविंदा का भोग बनाने के लिए उपयोग में लाई जाने वाली मुख्य सामग्री है। बिहार के कैमूर ज़िले में इसकी खेती किए जाने के पीछे एक बड़ा ही रोचक इतिहास है। मोकरी गाँव जो कि कैमूर जिले की... Continue Reading →
Kanyakumari Cloves (12/14/2020) - Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of clove in the country with Kanyakumari district contributing a sizeable portion to the total production. Clove was introduced in India around the 1800s by the East India Company in its spice garden in Courtallam. The dense wooded areas of Maramalai, Karumparai and Vellimalai in the Western Ghats of... Continue Reading →
Harmal Chilli of Goa (12/15/2020) - The famed Harmal chilli derives its name from the area of cultivation, Harmal which is a coastal village in the Pernem taluk in North Goa district. Elders in the village say that this chilli has been grown extensively in the traditional way for about 150 – 200 years. Each and every household is in some... Continue Reading →
Jalgaon Brinjal of Maharashtra (12/16/2020) - Jalgaon located in Khandesh in Maharashtra is popularly known as the ‘City of Brinjals’. Light green brinjals from Jalgaon district comprising of fifteen talukas of Jalgaon, Jamner, Erandol, Dharangaon, Bhusaval, Bodwad, Yawal, Raver, Muktainagar, Amalner, Chopda, Parola, Pachora, Chalisgaon and Bhadgaon are used for preparing the famous Khandeshi vangyache bharit. Locals say that brinjals are... Continue Reading →- मेरठ कैंची- ३५० साल पुराना घरेलू उद्योग – (Meerut Scissors, Uttar Pradesh) (12/17/2020) - मेरठ में कैंची निर्माण ३५० वर्ष पुराना घरेलू उद्योग है। स्थानीय लोगों का कहना है कि यहां अखुंजी नाम का एक लुहार रहता था, जिसने मुगल काल के दौरान सन १६ ४५ में, चमडा काटने के लिय दो तलवारों को मिलाकर भारत में निर्मित कैंची की पहली जोड़ी का निर्माण किया था। कैंची निर्माण,... Continue Reading →
- आंध्र प्रदेश के ऐटिकोप्पका खिलौने (Etikoppaka Toys, Andhra Pradesh) (12/18/2020) - लकड़ी के पारंपरिक ऐटीकोप्पका खिलौने बनाने की कला, जो लक्कपिडातालू नाम से प्रचलित है, करीबन ४०० साल से अधिक पुरानी है। वराह नदी के तट पर बसा ये छोटा सा प्राचीन गांव लाख से मढे लकड़ी के खिलौनों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। खिलौने बनाने की यह कला टर्न्ड लकड़ी लाह के नाम से भी जानी जाती... Continue Reading →
- उत्तर प्रदेश का कालानमक चावल (Kalanamak Rice, Uttar Pradesh) (12/19/2020) - “कालानमक” जी हां, ये चावल की एक खास किस्म का नाम है, जो पूर्वी उत्तर प्रदेश के तराई क्षेत्रों में उपजाया जाता है। इसके ऊपर की भूसी काले रंग की होती है और साथ में नमक प्रत्यय क्यों जोड़ा यह तो हमारे पूर्वज बताने के लिए हैं नहीं। बहरहाल, आपको जानकर आश्चर्य होगा कि बेहद... Continue Reading →
Mahoba Desawari Paan of Uttar Pradesh (12/21/2020) - The historical city of Mahoba in Bundelkhand, once known as Mahotsav Nagar was the stronghold of the Chandelas and Pratiharas. In the ninth century, the Chandela king ordered a betel vine from Udaipur – Banswara in Rajasthan and planted it in the western part of Gorakhgiri. The westerly and southerly winds at Bundelkhand are warmer... Continue Reading →
Mirzapur Handmade Dari of Uttar Pradesh (12/22/2020) - Mirzapur in Varanasi district in Uttar Pradesh is one of the oldest and most important areas of dari weaving in the country. This belt that stretches across Bhadohi, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Sonbhadra, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Jaunpur and Chandauli districts represents the largest concentration of dari weavers in India. The whole process of Mirzapur handmade dari is labour... Continue Reading →
Varanasi Glass Beads of Uttar Pradesh (12/23/2020) - The ancient city of Varanasi is one of the major centres of glass beads also known as kaanch ke moti. Historians say that glass has been used since ancient times and many archaeological excavations have unearthed glass pieces and crucibles that are over thousands of years old in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. Besides this,... Continue Reading →- वाराणसी के खिलौने (Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware and Toys, Uttar Pradesh) (12/25/2020) - उत्तर प्रदेश का वाराणसी शहर बहुत वर्षों तक भारत के सबसे बड़े खिलौने उद्योग के केंद्र के रूप में प्रसिद्ध रहा। माना जाता है कि इस प्राचीन कारीगरी को ना केवल अपने समय के राजाओं बल्कि मुगलों और ब्रिटिश शासकों द्वारा भी संरक्षण प्राप्त हुआ था। इस कारीगरी का प्रादुर्भाव कब और कैसे हुआ इस... Continue Reading →
Chamba Chappal of Himachal Pradesh (12/28/2020) - The picturesque town of Chamba named after the devout royal princess of Bharmour, Champavati is situated on the banks of the river Ravi at an elevation of about 926 feet. Historians say that Chamba was known as Airavati in the ancient times. There are very few places in the world that can rival its stunning... Continue Reading →
Uttarakhand Ringal Craft (12/29/2020) - Ringal is a socioeconomically and ecologically important type of bamboo that is extensively found in the rich forests of Garhwal Himalayas. Ringal or ningaw as it is locally known is considered by the local communities to be an important resource for their livelihood. Ringal weaving is an age-old craft of Uttarakhand with almost every family directly... Continue Reading →- तेलंगाना की निर्मल शिल्प कला (Nirmal Toys and Craft, Telangana) (12/29/2020) - निर्मल शिल्प कला का नाम आंध्र प्रदेश – तेलंगाना के सुविख्यात शासक नेम्मा नायडू के नाम पर पड़ा है जो कि विविध कलाओं के महान संरक्षक थे। खिलौने बनाने की बारीकियों और शिल्प कौशल को देखकर उन्होंने इस कला को प्रोत्साहित किया। उनके राज्य में यह उद्योग खूब पनपा और इसने तेलंगाना राज्य के निर्मल... Continue Reading →
Mangalwedha Jowar of Maharashtra (12/30/2020) - Popularly known as the ‘Land of Saints’, Mangalwedha taluka in Solapur district is renowned for its culture, heritage and agricultural produce. Traditional crops like sorghum, bajra, groundnuts, corn and sugarcane cultivated in this historical place has been famous for centuries. The local variety of jowar known as Maldandi jowar has been cultivated here for at... Continue Reading →
Chettinad Kottan of Tamil Nadu (1/4/2021) - Once a part of the kingdom of the Pandyas of Madurai, Chettinadu or the land of Chettiars comprised of 96 villages founded by the Nattukottai Chettiars or Nagarthar meaning townsfolk. This aristocratic community were seafarers, bankers and businessmen. This wealthy stretch of land in Sivaganga district is famous for its architecture, art, utensils, tiles, weaving and... Continue Reading →- गुजरात का भलिया गेहूं (Bhalia Wheat, Gujarat) (1/4/2021) - गुजरात के स्थानीय निवासियों का मानना है कि भाल नामक क्षेत्र में बड़े पैमाने पर उगाए जाने वाले गेहूं का नाम संस्कृत के शब्द भाल के ऊपर पड़ा है, जिसका अर्थ है ‘मस्तक’, ऐसा इसलिए है क्योकि यह क्षेत्र भी मस्तक के समान सपाट दिखता है। यह सुनने में अजीब लगता है, परन्तु वास्तव में... Continue Reading →
Bardhaman Mihidana of West Bengal (1/5/2021) - The delectable Bardhaman Mihidana that literally means fine grains was first prepared along with Sitabhog in honour of Maharaja Mahtab Chand Bahadur by the late Khettranath Nag according to his grandson, the late Nagendranath Nag. Seventy-two years later, both these dishes were served to Lord Curzon in 1904 when he visited Bardhaman on the invitation... Continue Reading →- कोविलपट्टी की कडलै मिठाई (Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai, Tamil Nadu) (1/5/2021) - १९४० के दशक में पोनाम्बला नादर नामक, एक समृद्ध किराने की दुकान के मालिक ने, परंपरागत तरीके से बनाई जाने वाली खजूर के गुड़ और मूंगफली की कडलै मिठाई को एक नया रूप देने के लिए गन्ने के गुड़ और मूंगफली से बनाने का निश्चय किया। स्थानीय लोगों का कहना है कि दशकों से कोविलपट्टी... Continue Reading →
Bardhaman Sitabhog of West Bengal (1/6/2021) - The lip-smacking Sitabhog served with nikhuti (tiny gulab jamuns) will assuredly send you to a heavenly place! This century-old sweet of Bardhaman along with Mihidana is an invention of the late Khettranath Nag. The city of Bardhaman derives its name from Mahavira or Vardhaman Swami (around the 6th century B.C.E.) and is famous for its... Continue Reading →- श्रीविल्लिपुत्तूर का पालखोवा (Srivilliputtur Palkova, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu) (1/7/2021) - श्रीविल्लिपुत्तूर ना केवल आण्डाल मंदिर के लिए प्रसिद्ध है, बल्कि दूध से बनी एक खास मिठाई के लिए भी प्रसिद्ध है जिसे स्थानीय भाषा में पालखोवा कहते है। तमिल भाषा में ‘पाल’ का अर्थ होता है ‘दूध’। यह केवल गाय का दूध और शक्कर के मिश्रण से बनाई जाती है। स्थानीय निवासियों का कहना है... Continue Reading →
Pattamadai Pai (Pattamadai Mats) of Tamil Nadu (1/11/2021) - The quaint village of Pattamadai in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu is famous for its centuries-old handwoven mats made of korai grass. These exquisite mats found its place on the international market when it was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation in 1953 and since then has been presented to dignitaries around the world.... Continue Reading →
Baluchari Saree of West Bengal (1/12/2021) - The history of Baluchari that literally means sandy river bank can be traced back to 1704 CE when Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal who patronized the flourishing weaving tradition brought several weavers from Dhaka in Bangladesh and helped them establish a small weaving community in Baluchar village on the bank of the Bhagirathi... Continue Reading →
Joynagar Moa of West Bengal (1/13/2021) - The ancient city of Joynagar-Majilpur derives its name from the local goddess and presiding deity, Ma Joychandi and over time, came to be called Joychandinagar and then Joynagar. Joyangar is popularly known as ‘the cradle of moa’, a unique winter sweet that is placed in high esteem by Bengalis. It is said that the... Continue Reading →
Tulaipanji Rice of West Bengal (1/18/2021) - Dinajpur district in West Bengal is renowned for its indigenous rice diversity finding mention in many important scriptural texts dating back to 1100 CE One of the oldest native varieties found here is Tulaipanji or Tulai that has been cultivated for centuries with traditional methods. Folk songs glorifying this scented rice, its cultivation practices and... Continue Reading →
Wooden Mask of Kushmandi, West Bengal (1/19/2021) - The quaint village of Mahisbathan in Kushmandi district in the heritage belt of Dakshin Dinajpur is famous for its unique wooden masks. The origin of this craft of mask making is unknown but the stylization, designs and motifs of the masks suggests a deep connection to their religious beliefs. These masks are an intrinsic part... Continue Reading →
Swamimalai Bronze Icons of Tamil Nadu (1/20/2021) - Shilpa Shastra, broadly classified as the ‘Science of Arts and Crafts’ is the supreme authority on the Chatushashti Kalas (Sixty-four arts) of the universe. The subject of Shilpa Shastra is dealt with at length in the Vedas, Puranas, Agamas and others scriptures and has been assiduously adopted by kings, craftsmen and patrons of art since time immemorial. This highly... Continue Reading →
Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri Kokum, Maharashtra (1/25/2021) - Kokum (Garcinia indica) called as the ‘The Kool King’ of Indian fruits flourishes in the dense forests of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Konkan kokum is a perennial fruit of commercial value that thrives in the scenic Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. According to the locals, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts have about 43,000 centuries-old kokum... Continue Reading →
Waghya Ghevada, Maharashtra (2/1/2021) - One of the most famous cash crops of Western Maharashtra is Waghya ghevada. Grown extensively in North Koregaon taluka of Satara district, this rajma was first cultivated in 1950 by the late Kashinath Mahajan who bought seeds of this variety from a trader in Pune. This variety soon became popular with the locals and was... Continue Reading →
Puneri Pagadi, Maharashtra (2/2/2021) - Pagadi or turban has historically been a sign of culture, wisdom, virility and often used identify the different sections of community. Puneri pagadi is an inseparable part of Pune which is the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Puneri pagadi is conceptualized from the Peshwe turban worn by the Peshwas which itself was inspired by the traditional Chakribandh... Continue Reading →- कंधमाल हल्दी (Kandhamal Haladi, Odisha) (2/6/2021) - ओडिशा राज्य के दक्षिणी मध्य भाग में बसा कंधमालअपनी सुगंध से भरपूर हल्दी के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस स्थान पर हल्दी आदिवासियों द्वारा सदियों से उगाई जा रही है। यहां का लगभग साठ से सत्तर प्रतिशत क्षेत्र पहाड़ी है और घने जंगलों से ढका हुआ है। जलवायु के हिसाब से, हल्दी के अलावा यह... Continue Reading →
Farrukhabad Prints, Uttar Pradesh (2/9/2021) - One of the oldest and most famous industries that has flourished for more than a thousand years in Farrukhabad is the artistic cotton printing industry. India has long been considered to be a pioneer in the art of calico printing with many craftsmen across the country engaged in creating designs that are typical of their... Continue Reading →- मणिपुर का कचि नींबू (Kachai Lemon, Manipur) (2/13/2021) - आमतौर पर “मणिपुर का गौरव” नाम से प्रसिद्ध, वहां का अनोखा “कचि चंपरा” या कचि नींबू , उत्तरपूर्व के मणिपुर राज्य के ऊखरूल जिले के सुदूर गांव कचि में पाया जाता है। यह गांव नींबुओं का सबसे बड़ा उत्पादक है, परन्तु इस नींबू में ऐसी क्या खासियत है? इसका कारण है वहां की उपोषणकटीबंधिय... Continue Reading →
Jalna Sweet Orange, Maharashtra (2/15/2021) - Jalna district is the largest producer of sweet oranges in Maharashtra with more than 85 percent of the geographical area under agricultural cultivation. Jalna has many agro-climatic advantages that aid the growth of this traditional variety of sweet orange. Located in the upper Godavari basin, the rich black soil along the river banks of Ambad... Continue Reading →
Banaras Metal Repoussé Craft, Uttar Pradesh (2/16/2021) - The ancient repoussé craft, considered to be even older than the Banarasi Silk handloom industry has flourished in the heritage city of Varanasi since the Vedic times. Traditional artisans use the repoussé technique to make faces of gods and goddesses, gold and silver dresses, traditional ornaments, doors, wall decorations in temples and unique gold and... Continue Reading →- त्रिपुरा की क्वीन पाइनएप्पल (Tripura Queen Pineapple) (2/20/2021) - ऐसा माना जाता है कि अप्रतिम सुन्दरता से परिपूर्ण पूर्वोत्तर राज्य त्रिपुरा का नाम वहां की देवी त्रिपुरसुंदरी के नाम पर पड़ा है। हालांकि १८०० से १९०० के आरम्भ के दशक में त्रिपुरा राज्य अपनी सुगंधित चाय के लिए सुप्रसिद्ध था, परन्तु आज इसने अपनी सार्वभौमिक पहचान उष्कटिबंधीय फल और सब्जियों की विस्तृत श्रृंखला के... Continue Reading →
Dahanu Gholvad Chikoo, Maharashtra (2/22/2021) - A sea of Zoroastrians seeking refuge landed on the shores of Western India sometime during the 7th century. The local ruler Jadhav Rana was a little sceptical and sent the leader a glass of milk filled to the brim with a seemingly cryptic message of “There is no place here. We are full”. The Zoroastrians... Continue Reading →
Mau Saree, Uttar Pradesh (2/23/2021) - The historically and archaeologically significant city of Mau produces one of the rarest types of sarees called Mau saree that derives its name from the city. Popularly called as the ‘city of weavers’, the weaving industry has been prevalent for at least 200 years if not more. The origin of the Mau saree is traced... Continue Reading →- आसाम की तेज़पुर लीची (Tezpur Litchi of Assam) (2/27/2021) - पूर्वोत्तर राज्य आसाम के बारे में शायद बहुत से लोग इस बात से अनजान हैं कि यह राज्य जैविक विविधता, विभिन्न वनस्पतियों और जीव जंतुओं से समृद्ध राज्य है। आसाम अपनी उष्णकटिबंधीय वर्षा वनों, बांस के बगीचों, राष्ट्रीय उद्यानों साथ ही विभिन्न प्रकार की स्थानीय खेती और फलों के उत्पादन के लिए भी जाना जाता... Continue Reading →
Kaji Nemu, Assam (3/1/2021) - One of the most famous produce of the North eastern state of Assam is Kaji Nemu also called as Assam Lemon. Assam has as many as seventeen species, fifty-three varieties and probably seven if not more hybrids of citrus. Locals say that this variety originated as a chance seedling raised in a plantation, Burnihut... Continue Reading →
Madur kathi, West Bengal (3/2/2021) - Medinipur or Midnapore, considered to be one of the largest districts of West Bengal after independence is rich with ancient history, archaeological sites, culture and heritage that is deeply influenced by the royal families. It is home to some of the oldest crafts that date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. One among them is... Continue Reading →
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