Applications have been submitted for getting Geographical Indication (GI) tag for eight articles, according to P.Sanjai Gandhi, Geographical Indication (GI) Attorney and Additional Government Pleader.
The articles are Thanjavur pith works, cut glass works, and Thanjavur Karuppur Kalamkari, Kallakurichi wood carvings, Arumbavur wood carvings of Perambalur district, Namakkal Maakal stone works, Kanyakumari Mayiladi stone works, and Mahabalipuram stone sculptures, Mr.Gandhi said. The Minister for Rural Industries had made an announcement about seeking GI registration for these articles, following which the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd urged Mr.Gandhi to file applications.
Thanjavur pith works also called Thanjavur Netti (Tamil) works is a versatile art form in which a considerably stout or adequately thick hydrophytes stem transforms into an artefact. Most of the pith works are models of Thanjavur Big Temple ,” said Mr.Gandhi in his application.
Majority of pith work production is done in Thanjavur and Kumbakonam.
Kanyakumari Mayiladi stone carving is a unique art practised in the district of Kanyakumari. The sculptors are chiselled out from a single granite stone to produce intricately carved statues.
The stone work is carried out in Myladi, Thirupathisaram, and Aralvaimozhi. The soapstone used for the production of Namakkal Maakal stone works is sourced from Namakkal district. Kalchatty or cooking utensils used for making tamarind, lime-based dishes and buttermilk are made using soap stone.
