008. Orissa Ikat

Orissa Ikat is a kind of ikat known as Bandhakala and Bandha, a resist dyeing technique, originating from Indian state of Odisha. It is made through a process of tie-dying the warp and weft threads to create the design on the loom prior to weaving. 

It is characterised by a curvilinear arrangement of motifs, as well as feathered outlines worked primarily in weft-ikat — a complex process in which only the weft yarns are resist-dyed and require readjustment after each pass of the shuttle.

Saris made out of this fabric feature bands of brocade in the borders and also at the ends. Its forms are purposefully feathered, giving the edges a "hazy and fragile" appearance. The designs developed on the Ikat are generally of birds, various animals, rudraksh beads, geometric designs, dice, temple towers, and pinnacles. 

Every colour used in the fabric reflects a symbolic concept of the Jagannath cult: the four primary colours used in keeping with this tradition are white, black, yellow, and red, with green added at a later date. These colours are said to denote the past, present, and future, to the Vedas and the Gods.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 07 June 2006

GI Tag Number                         : 22

Certificate Number                  : 20

Geographical Area                  : Odisha

Special Cover Release Date   : 28 April 2002

Cancellation                             : Bhubaneswar 751 001

Type                                          :  Special Cover

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007. Guntur Sannam Chilli

Guntur Sannam Chilli, originating from the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, has a thick red skin with high pungency. 

Guntur Sannam pepper belongs to the species Capsicum annuum is a variety of chili pepper that grows in the districts of Guntur, Prakasam (Andhra Pradesh), Warangal (Telangana), and Khammam. 

Guntur Sannam Chilli is a commercial crop used as a condiment and culinary supplement. It is used in the preparation of various local delicacies to develop colour as well as flavour. The Guntur chilli is exceptionally dark red in colour due to the rich source on capsaicin

Etymologically, the name 'Guntur Sannam' has its origin in Telugu, and indicates two facts: the origin of the fruit, Guntur has been associated with chilies for decades, and hence the prefix 'Guntur' for the name of this chili. The word 'Sannani' in Telugu means 'thin'.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 28 May 2010

GI Tag Number                         : 143

Certificate Number                  : 122

Geographical Area                  : Andhra Pradesh

Special Cover Release Date   : 08 February 2016

Cancellation                             : Guntur 522 001

Type                                          :  Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  :  AP/02/2016

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006. Puneri Pagadi

The Puneri Pagadi is a distinctive style of turban, which is considered as a symbol of pride and honour in the city of Pune. It was introduced in the 19th century by Mahadev Govind Ranade, a social reformer. Later, it was worn by many leaders, including Lokmanya Tilak. 

Though it is a symbol of honour, the pagadi is mostly worn for special occasions like wedding ceremonies and traditional days in schools and colleges. Youngsters wear it while performing the Gondhal art form.

The primary fabric is either cotton or silk. It is further mixed with starch obtained from various homemade processes. The purpose of adding starch is to give the royal headband the permanent folds it needs. It holds the most beautiful curves in place.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 04 September 2009

GI Tag Number                         : 128

Certificate Number                  : 109

Geographical Area                  : Maharashtra

Special Cover Release Date   : 10 December 2015

Cancellation                             : Pune 411 004

Type                                          :  Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  :  MH/38/2015

This cover has a small replica of Puneri Pagadi and covers are numbered.

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Image of the Stamp issued by India Post related to Puneri Pagadi is furnished below

Stamp extracted from Headgears of India Mixed Sheetlet

Issued on 10 February 2017

005. Thanjavur Veenai

Thanjavur Veenai is a handicraft product originating from Tamil Nadu and is one of the most ancient and revered Indian musical instruments. Thanjavur Veena is the first musical instrument in the country to get the GI tag.

The work involves making the resonator (kudam), the neck (dandi) and a tuning box, the three integral parts of the Veena. Jackfruit wood is used to make the Veena. The wood gets cut, intricately carved, shaped, and assembled. The body of the Veena is beautifully painted, carved and chiselled by hand. This makes the Thanjavur Veena distinct and elegant from other Veenas. 

In the case of 'Ottu' veena, the parts are made separately and assembled. In the case of 'Ekantha' veena, it gets carved out of the whole wood of the jackfruit tree.

The Thanjavur Veena has four playing cords/strings. And, there are three special thalam strings. The major bridge that produces all important notes is a flat bar. The flat bar is made of exquisite brass. The bar is not straight; however, you will see a slight curve on its surface and this gives the Thanjavur Veena its unique, characteristic sound.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 30 March 2013

GI Tag Number                         : 209

Certificate Number                  : 188

Geographical Area                  : Tamil Nadu

Special Cover Release Date   : 03 September 2015

Cancellation                             : Thanjavur 613 001

Type                                          :  Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  :  TN/24/2015

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004. Thanjavur Doll

The Thanjavur doll is a type of traditional Indian bobblehead or roly-poly toy made of terracotta material and is a part of Thanjavur's traditional arts. 

The centre of gravity and total weight of the doll is concentrated at its bottom-most point, generating a dance-like continuous movement with slow oscillations. It is quite interesting to note how the doll's centre of gravity was identified and used during the early days.  

The round bottomed toy comes in sitting, standing and rotating types. These toys are traditionally handmade, finished with detailed, painted exteriors. The doll is mostly made of wood, white stone powder, tapioca and paper. There are two versions of the doll – the tilting version and the bobble head version. Generally, these creations are sold in pairs, where you will find a queen and king.

The upper part of the doll is hollow whereas the bottom of the doll is structured such that it is heavy, curved (with a hemispherical base), and also designed in such a way that it will not topple over when external force is applied: it oscillates slowly and comes back to a stable position. These oscillations generate a dance-like appearance in the dolls, with slow oscillations and the center of gravity working with the total weight of the doll for it to move beautifully. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 09 September 2008

GI Tag Number                         : 96

Certificate Number                  : 89

Geographical Area                  : Tamil Nadu

Special Cover Release Date   : 03 September 2015

Cancellation                             : Thanjavur 613 001

Type                                          :  Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  :  TN/26/2015

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Image of Postage Stamp issued by India Post is furnished below, where in the Thanjavur doll is depicted on the left

Postage Stamp Issued on 14 November 2010

003. Thanjavur Art Plate

The Thanjavur Art Plate is an artifact which is exclusively made in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a circular plate and a handicraft consisting of metals such as silver, bronze, and copper embossed with figures of gods and goddesses at its center. 

The Thanjavur Art Plate was made as an exclusive gift item by the artisans of Thanjavur at the suggestion of the Rajah Serfoji-II (1777–1832) during the Maratha rule in Thanjavur. However, today, the usage of these art plates has expanded to a multitude of purposes. 

With symbols of deities, animals, and saints inscribed in the centre and intricate floral designs and geometric patterns carved out at the peripheries, these art plates are emblems of the ancient Indian tradition and how this tradition finds its place in the contemporary world. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 24 September 2007

GI Tag Number                         : 63

Certificate Number                  : 42

Geographical Area                  : Tamil Nadu

Special Cover Release Date   : 03 September 2015

Cancellation                             : Thanjavur 613 001

Type                                          :  Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  :  TN/27/2015

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002. Thanjavur Paintings

A classical artform from southern India, Thanjavur painting is a celebration of the region’s rich artistic tradition, named after the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. 

Thanjavur paintings are known for their extravagant depictions of deities using vibrant colours and gaudy embellishments, especially gold foil overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and inlay of glass beads and pieces or very rarely precious and semi-precious gems . 

In Thanjavur paintings one can see the influence of Deccani, Vijayanagara, Maratha and even European or Company styles of painting. Though the artform has undergone various changes over the years, it continues to be popular with lovers of art even today, and inspires many artists with its truly Indian style.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 16 May 2007

GI Tag Number                         : 47

Certificate Number                  : 32

Geographical Area                  : Tamil Nadu

Special Cover Release Date   : 03 September 2015

Cancellation                             : Thanjavur 613 001

Type                                          :  Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  :  TN/25/2015

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Image of the Postage Stamp issued by India Post is furnished below

Postage Stamp extracted from Splendors of India Mixed Sheetlet 
Issued on 01 January 2017

Miniature Sheet with Single Stamp 
Issued in the form of Calendar on 01 January 2017

001. Lucknow Chikan Craft

Chikan Craft is a delicate and artfully done hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabrics. White thread is embroidered on cool, pastel shades of light muslin and cotton garments and it is one of Lucknow's best known textile decoration styles.

About 40 different stitches are used for Lucknow Chikan craft. These are unique in its discipline i.e. each stitch is used for one purpose only. Chikan craft includes some simple and complex stitches giving it an effect, which is simple, gentle and delicate. The word “Chikan” steps from a Persian word derived from the Chic, which referred to the “jali” work done on marble or wood.

The process of Chikankari undergoes five different stages, namely cutting, stitching, printing, embroidery, washing and finishing. The most common motif used is that of a creeper. Individual floral motifs may embellish the entire garment or just one corner. Among the floral motifs embroidered, the jasmine, rose, flowering stems, lotus and the paisley motif are the most popular.

Traditional Chikan Craft was embroidered on Muslin with a white thread. Gradually the work was started being done on other fabrics like Organdie, Mulmul, Tanzeeb, Cotton and Silk. Presently all types of fabrics, namely Voil, Chiffon, Lenin, Rubia, Khadi Handloom Cloth, Terry Cotton, Polyester, Georgette, Terry voil etc, are used in Chikan Craft. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 02 December 2008

GI Tag Number                         : 119

Certificate Number                  : 102

Geographical Area                  : Uttar Pradesh

Special Cover Release Date   : 07 March 2014

Cancellation                             : Lucknow 226 006

Type                                          : Special Cover

Few other Special covers related to Lucknow Chikan Craft is given below, not an exhaustive list but only items from my collection.

Special Cover Issued on 01 March 2003, Cancelled at Lucknow 226 001

Special Cover Issued on 07 March 2014, Cancelled at Lucknow 226 006

This cover has a small replica of Chikan Craft Embroidery

ODOP Special Cover Issued on 29 September 2021, Cancelled at Lucknow 226 001

Postage Stamp issued by India Post on Lucknow Chikan Craft is furnished below:

Sheetlet with 16 Stamps Issued on 19 December 2019

Embroideries of India

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