What is a GI Tag? The Story Behind Bastar Dhokra Art and Wrought Iron Craft
Whenever we buy a handmade item, the first question that arises is—"Is it authentic?" This is especially true for Bastar Dhokra art and wrought iron craft, which are centuries-old legacies of Chhattisgarh. To verify this authenticity, there is an official designation known as the GI Tag. In this blog, we will explore in detail what a GI tag is, its benefits, which products from Chhattisgarh have received it, and how Shambhavi Creations' Dhokra art and wrought iron products fit into this context.
What is a GI Tag?
GI stands for Geographical Indication. It is a type of official certification awarded to a product when it originates from a specific region and possesses qualities, a reputation, or characteristics that are unique due to that region's geography, soil, climate, or traditional craftsmanship.
Simply put, a GI tag serves as a "certificate of authenticity." Just as Darjeeling Tea can only be produced in Darjeeling, and Bastar Dhokra art can only be created by artisans from the Bastar region, these products are awarded the GI tag.
In India, GI tags are granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and are registered by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai (which operates under the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks).
Once a GI tag is awarded, no other region or company can sell counterfeit products using that name; for instance, only authentic artisans from Bastar can sell their products under the name "Bastar Dhokra."
Benefits of the GI Tag
A GI tag is not merely a certificate; it brings significant benefits for both artisans and consumers:
Guarantee of Authenticity – Customers are assured that the product is genuine and not a duplicate or a machine-made imitation.
Legal Protection for Artisans – Manufacturers from other regions cannot use names like "Bastar Dhokra" or "Bastar Iron Craft" unless the product is actually made in the Bastar region.
Better Market Value – Both the demand and value of GI-tagged products increase, as buyers receive premium, authentic craftsmanship.
Direct Benefit to Artisan Communities – The GI tag provides recognition to these traditional crafts, supporting the livelihoods of artisan communities and ensuring their skills are preserved for future generations.
International Recognition – A GI tag gives the product a unique identity beyond India's borders, fostering trust among global buyers and boosting exports.
Preservation of Heritage – This tag prevents ancient techniques and traditional knowledge from fading away, as the entire manufacturing process is documented during the registration itself.
Which products from Chhattisgarh have received the GI tag?
Chhattisgarh is known for its rich tribal and cultural heritage, and as a result, many of its products have received the GI tag:
The following products have received the GI tag in Chhattisgarh so far:
- Bastar Iron Craft (Wrought Iron Craft) received the GI tag in the handicraft category with Application No. 82, filed and registered on March 12, 2007.
- Bastar Dhokra received the GI tag in the handicraft category with Application No. 83, filed on March 12, 2007, and certified on April 22, 2008.
- Bastar Wooden Craft has received the GI tag in the handicraft category with Application No. 84, which was filed on 12 March 2007 and has been registered.
- Champa Silk Saree and Fabrics has received the GI tag in the handicraft (textile) category with Application No. 172, which was filed on 25 May 2009 and was certified on 4 October 2010.
- Bastar Dhokra (Logo) has received a separate GI tag in the handicraft category with Application No. 387, which was filed on 5 November 2012 and has been registered.
- Jeeraphool has received the GI tag in the handicraft category with Application No. 611 has been awarded the GI tag in the agricultural (aromatic rice) category, with application No. 611 filed and registered on February 15, 2018.
- Nagri Dubraj has been awarded the GI tag in the agricultural (rice) category with application No. 669 filed and registered on October 11, 2019.
(Source: Geographical Indications Registry, ipindia.gov.in — official state-wise registered GI list)
All these products are the result of Chhattisgarh's unique geography, tribal culture, and traditional craftsmanship—something that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Which of our products fall under the GI Tag category?
At Shambhavi Creations, both the Dhokra art and wrought iron products we manufacture and sell fall under Chhattisgarh's GI-tagged crafts. Let us understand both in detail:
Bastar Dhokra Art
Bastar Dhokra art is a 4,000-year-old metal casting technique created using the "lost-wax casting" process. This craft has been practiced for generations by the tribal artisan communities of Bastar without the aid of machines or molds; every piece is crafted by hand, making each product a unique masterpiece.
What makes it unique:
An intricate manual process involving 12 to 16 stages, with no sketches used—artisans create designs based on their imagination.
It utilizes bell metal and brass, resulting in a distinctive rustic and antique finish.
Motifs are largely inspired by nature, tribal culture, animals, and deities (such as the Makdi motif, Jhitku-Mitki figures, Nandi, deer, etc.).
Even the artisan's fingerprints are often visible on the product, serving as proof of its handmade authenticity.
GI Registration No.: Bastar Dhokra is registered with the GI Registry (ipindia.gov.in) under Application No. 83. The application was filed on March 12, 2007, and officially certified on April 22, 2008. Additionally, the "Bastar Dhokra (Logo)" was separately registered in 2012 under Application No. 387.
Bastar Wrought Iron Craft
The Wrought Iron Craft of Bastar (also known as Bastar Iron Craft) is another signature handicraft of Chhattisgarh. This craft is also known as *Loha Shilp* (iron craft); it involves heating iron and manually hammering it to create beautiful decorative and utility items—such as wall hangings, door hardware, lighting fixtures, and showpieces.
What makes it unique:
The entire process relies on manual forging, without the use of molds or machines.
The iron is shaped using traditional rural blacksmithing techniques—a true reflection of the tribal craftsmanship of Bastar.
The designs offer a glimpse into tribal lifestyles, nature, and folk traditions.
This craft is a vibrant part of Bastar’s folk art and cultural heritage.
GI Registration No.: Bastar Iron Craft is registered with the GI Registry under Application No. 82, a status confirmed by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. The application for this craft was filed on March 12, 2007, alongside the application for Bastar Dhokra.
Conclusion
A GI tag is more than just a label; it is a guarantee that the product you are purchasing is genuinely handcrafted by the artisan communities of Bastar, embodying centuries-old traditions, hard work, and exceptional skill. Bastar Dhokra art (GI Application No. 83) and Bastar Wrought Iron Craft (GI Application No. 82) are hallmarks of Chhattisgarh’s identity; purchasing them means not merely acquiring a showpiece, but supporting a living heritage.
At Shambhavi Creations, we bring this authentic, GI-tagged Bastar Dhokra art and Wrought Iron craft directly to your home from the artisan communities—eliminating middlemen—to ensure you receive genuine craftsmanship while the artisans get their due.
Now Explore Our Authentic Collection
Whether for home or gifting, check out our GI-tagged Bastar Dhokra and Wrought Iron collections:
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