224. Uttarakhand Tamta Product

Uttarakhand Tamta Product are basically hand beaten copper utensils and other products made from three major districts Almora, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh. Indeed, the word Tamta means Copper as a metal and the products are well-known for their medicinal and curative properties. Several items of everyday use are thus still traditionally fashioned out of Tamta and are used prolifically in the villages and urban areas in whole Uttarakhand since generations. 

Five hundred years ago, the Tamtas (artisans who are making these Tamta products in Uttarakhand) were coin makers for the royal treasury of the Chand dynasty in Kumaon. After the Chand dynasty’s reign, which began declining in 1744 and ended in 1816, the Tamtas started making Tamta utensils and decorative items at Tamta mohalla (colony) in Almora.

Water – if kept for some time like overnight in Tamta vessels is supposed to absorb the medicinal properties of the Tamta. Tamta surahis (traditional, jug-like vessels, with spouted mouths), glasses, and flat-bottomed traditional water containers called lotas are common products. 

Plates and bowls for everyday use are also made of Tamta. Vessels in which the metal has a low gauge are used for cooking – most frequently, they are used to cook those foods that require sustained low heat. Storage jars, vases, and diyas (lamps) are also made by the Tamtas 

Image credit: nabard.org

The utensils and traditional products are beautifully embellished with embossed work. The motifs include zig-zag patterns, leaf, flower and straight line patterns. Heavy elaborated work depicting flowers, petals, curved stems creepers and images of deities. 

Few traditional motifs like small circular dots are made on the outer surface of the product by beating with hammer, the beating also helps to make base of the product strong. The dot pattern products are well known traditional products right from ancient days all over India and still continued.

The basic raw materials used are sheets of Tamta (copper) or patches made from melted scrap. The sheets are of varying thickness, with thickness being measured in gauges; the higher the number of the gauge, the thicker the sheet.

The process is basically that of beaten metal-work, in which the metal is beaten into the required shape. A wooden hammer is used while shaping the metal and a much heavier iron hammer is used for processes that involve sizing, like increasing the size of a strip. 

A lot of the items, especially the smaller ones are worked from a single piece of the metal. Jointing, however, makes the work simpler. The sheer time and craftsmanship required in making a single-piece item makes the end product very expensive.

The joint is made with a combination of brass and zinc, which is melted in an earth-kiln fire and is then mixed with Suhaga – a white, grainy powder that is bought in the market, and is commonly used by goldsmiths. The joint can be taken apart by craftsperson’s only by heating the metal at the joint and then beating it. 

The design element is introduced using a Sunni or Iron rod, on which force is applied with a Hammer. The finished product after jointing is washed with acid or placed in heated grain heaps; the hot piece is covered with chaff. When the object is removed from the slowly cooling chaff, the metal is seen to have acquired luster. Besides specific motifs, a pattern of small squares is impressed all over the piece by hand-beating using a hammer.

Tamta products are also used as ritual objects during festive and ceremonial occasions. The traditional objects like idols of deities, Kalash (holy pot), Ghagars (pitchers), Diyas (Tamta lamps), vases, and spoons are made for worshipping purposes.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 14 September 2021

GI Tag Number                         : 653

Certificate Number                  : 392

Geographical Area                  : Uttarakhand

Special Cover Release Date   : 28 November 2021

Cancellation                             : Dehradun 248 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UK/09/2021-2022

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223. Uttarakhan Ringal Craft

Uttarakhand Ringal Craft is a nifty art where the artisans use a special species of dwarf Ringal that grows in these areas to weave various products like baskets, bins, mats and other utility items. Ringal weaving provides livelihood to the communities of Chamoli, Bageshwar, Khalijhuri, Pithoragarh.

The most important characteristic of Ringal is that, it is nearly water resistance in comparison to the Bamboo, and Ringal also survive in the snow fall area in upper Himalayan region, due to this it is very much popular in the villagers and even in the tourist places in the Himalayan area in Uttarakhand.

Image credit: dsource.in

Four species of Ringal were commonly used on the basis of their characteristic. 

• Chimnobambusa jaunsarensis Syn. – locally known as Ginwas Ringal which is more flexible, durable 

• Thamnocalamus Falconeri (Munro) Keng f. – locally known as Deo or Dev ringal which is smooth, flexible, shining and soft nature 

• Drepanostachyum falcatum (Nees) Keng f. – locally known as Gadh Ringal which is less flexible, less durable and weak 

• Thamnocalamus spathiflorus (Trin.) Munro. – locally known as Tham ringal which is long, durable and hard in nature

Among these species Chimnobambusa jaunsarensis was mostly used and preferred by the ringal weavers (Rudiya’s) for making articles due to its availability, durability and quality followed by Himalayacalamus falconeri due to its flexible and smooth nature. 

Drepanostachyum falcatum which was abundantly available in the nearby forest areas was not preferred by the weavers due to its less durable nature and roughness of bark. The species of Thamnocalamus spathiflorus was commonly used in covering and weaving roof of grassy houses (goth or chhani) and making hooka pipes and walking sticks. 

Weaving of various kinds of baskets and other articles form the major use of ringal among the Himalayan community for carrying livestock dung, manure, fuel wood and other forest produce, fodder, grass, ration, and clothes for washing. These vary in shape and capacity according to the use.

Slightly conical shaped baskets are called ‘Solta’ or ‘Ghida’. The size and shape of ‘Ghida’ or ‘Solta’ varies according to usage requirement such as carriage of water, milk container, carriage of bulky material, carriage of food to fields and pasture lands, storage purposes and collection of fruits etc

Large baskets are harnessed to the back with the help of rope of Dholan (Girardinia diversifolia) and Bhang (Cannabis sativa). Various woven articles such as ‘Suppa ’ (winnower) for winnowing of grains; ‘Moreta’ (mat) laid down on the earthen floor for sitting purposes and for drying grains and edible items; ‘Bhwanu’ (broom) for sweeping and cleaning floors.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 14 September 2021

GI Tag Number                         : 652

Certificate Number                  : 391

Geographical Area                  : Uttarakhand

Special Cover Release Date   : 28 November 2021

Cancellation                             : Dehradun 248 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UK/08/2021-2022

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222. Munsyari Rajma

Munsyari Rajma is grown in high attitudes in mineral rich soils in Pithorgarh district of Uttarakhand. It is a source of soluble fibre which helps lower cholesterol level. It contains good amount of molybdenum that detoxifies sulphite. It is famous for its great taste and cooking quality. 

Rajma thrive on a wide variety of soils. However, well drained loamy soils are the best for its cultivation. Soil with high organic matter promotes more vegetative growth. This crop requires fine seedbed and good moisture in the soil for better germination of the seeds. A deep ploughing should be followed by 3 to 4 harrowing will get to the fine tilth of the soil.

Image credit: barefootorganics.in

Biological classification of Munsyari Rajma is as given below.

Kingdom     : Plantae

Division      : Magnoliphyta

Class          : Magnoliopsida

Order         : Fabales

Family       : Fabaceae

Genus       : Phaseolus

Species    : vulgaris L

The morphology of plant is creeping / pole type. Munsiyari beans plant creeps and it grows like Pumpkin. It is a complete organic product. It has unique and subtle texture; high fiber content, due to this Rajma is favorite of all ages. Munsyari Rajma has a great demand because of their cooking quality and taste. The cultivation of Munsyari Rajma is done as mixed crop with potato and maize.

By virtue of its excellent nutritional composition, it is an integral part of traditional cuisine and also serves as a source of nutritional and livelihood security to the several resource poor rural inhabitants. Farmers of this region cultivate several types of landraces of this legume and a great diversity of this food legume exists in the high mountain regions in North Western Himalayan hills. 

Seeds contain the bioactive components – alkaloids, flavonoids, fiber, proteins, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, quercetin, anthocyarin and catechin. The physiological effects of dry been consumption may be due to the presence of abundant phytochemicals, including polyphenolics, which possess both anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. 

Munsiyari rajma has a subtle, earthy taste and needs less time to cook compared to regular rajma. Rich in protein and soluble fibre, it helps in lowering cholesterol levels and encouraging cell repair. Rajma is a healthy option for diabetics due to its low glycemic index that keeps body sugar content balanced. It is rich in Vitamin B1 and Manganese that boosts energy. It is anti-acidic and easily digestible with negligible flatulence feeling.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 14 September 2021

GI Tag Number                         : 651

Certificate Number                  : 390

Geographical Area                  : Uttarakhand

Special Cover Release Date   : 28 November 2021

Cancellation                             : Dehradun 248 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UK/07/2021-2022

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221. Kumaon Chyura Oil

Kumaon Chyura Oil which is much nutritious and hygenic oil used for edible purposes in the cold climatic condition of Upper Himalayan, Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state. Colour of Kumaon Chyura Oil is Light cream and thick in comparison to the other oil. Due to prominent Saponification value, this oil is useful for body cream. 

Kumaon Chyura Tree (Indian Butter Tree – Diploknema Butyracea) is a backbone of Uttarakhand rural economy. It is a multipurpose tree since each of its parts is utilized. Many useful items are derived from the tree which serve as a source for many products such as seeds for oil, flower nectar for honey, wood for small timber, fuel and furniture, and fodder for cattle. Some of its parts are also used as medicines and pesticides. 

High-value products like soap and lip balm and related cosmetic are being made from Chyura oil. The residue from the seed processing can be used as a fertilizer. It contains insecticidal properties, making Chyura an efficient eco-friendly insecticide as well.

Image credit: sahasa.in

The innermost core of the Chyura fruit contains a seed with a thin but hard, brown, glossy coating and within it rests its kernel. These seeds are used for oil extraction while seed residue could act as a mosquito repellent when burnt. 

Kumaon Chyura oil is very unique quality of this natural oil. There is no smoke after burning the Chyura oil and due to this it is much demanded at the time of Diwali festival. Kumaon Chyura oil has bitterness as fresh oil but after freezing it, the bitterness gets removed. 

Oil is extracted from the kernel of Chyura seeds. The outer shell of seeds is removed by adopting traditional or mechanical methods. In the traditional method, the seeds are boiled in water and softened seeds are placed on the floor and pressed until the kernels come out. In the mechanical system, the shell of the seed is removed by a decorticator machine. 

After cleaning and drying, the seeds are pounded into a fine powder using a traditional pounder called Dhiki. The powder is steamed on a perforated plate over a boiling pan. Oil is then extracted using a traditional oil expeller known locally as Chepuwa.

Chyura oil is very important component in the life of upper Himalayan region people because this oil is use for various purpose like cooking, making ghee from Chyura oil, using as oil for lighting of lamp, using it for making various type of cosmetics. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 14 September 2021

GI Tag Number                         : 650

Certificate Number                  : 399

Geographical Area                  : Uttarakhand

Special Cover Release Date   : 28 November 2021

Cancellation                             : Dehradun 248 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UK/11/2021-2022

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220. Uttarakhand Aipan

Uttarakhand Aipan has its unique identity as a painting which is always done on the empty walls and on the ground which is a symbol of fortune and fertility. The art form is used to decorate floors and walls at the Puja room (place of worship) and entrance of homes and practiced by many other communities of different region. 

The concept of Aipan is based on the deep faith of people in Hindu Religion. In Hinduism specified rituals and ceremonies are required at every stage of life from birth to death. It is called ‘Sanskar ’ like Namkaran (naming) ceremony, Yagopavit (thread) ceremony, Marriage ceremony and after death ceremony (shraddh karm). 

Uttarakhand Aipan is one such activity which is performed in every ceremony by drawing specific pattern. It is also a ritual painting in straight line patterns done on Mandap / Mandir (Stage used to place idols of gods). The art makes its presence felt at all auspicious occasions because of the traditional beliefs that the motifs bring good fortune, blessings from the lord and fertility. 

Image credit: gitagged.com

An Aipan is made with ‘Geru’ or red vermillion paste as a base and rice paste patterns on top. This pristine white on deep red gives out a beautiful contrast emphasizing the designs. The rice paste is made by soaking any rice for about 16 hours and then grinding it into a fine paste with a medium to runny consistency. The ring finger of the right hand is used to draw the elaborate patterns with help of cotton balls or cloth.

Every design has its own significance. The designs are symbolic and common in meaning for different regions also. The design varies each day for each ritual and worship of particular god. Patterns drawn in Aipan paintings are inspired by nature, trees, birds, animals, betel leaves, and flowers like Lotus etc. 

Geometrical patterns like lines, dots, squares, circles, and triangles. Other motifs like Swastik, Trident, Fish, conch shell, footprints, supposed to be of Goddess Laxmi, and anthropomorphic figures

The design starts at the center with a flower and surrounded by the dotted borders, creepers and stylized flowers. Entrances of house are intricately decorated with straight lines welcoming the guests. 

Saraswati Chowki (seat of goddess Saraswati), Chamunda Hast Chowki (seat for Hasans or Yoga), Nav Durga Chowki (seat for Nav Durga during Durga Puja), Shiv or Shivarchan Peeth (for Shiva during Magh or Savan month), Surya Darshan Chowki (for new born child on eleventh day of birth), Janeyu Chowki (for sacred thread ceremony), Asan Chowki (seat for devotee and his wife during rituals), Acharya Chowki (seat for Pandit during marriage), Durga Thapa (painted on paper for durga puja), Jyoti Patta (mural paintings depicting MahaLaxmi, Maha Kali and Maha Saraswati), and Lakshmi Yantra (seat of Lakshmi during Diwali) - are the traditional designs made with different connotations and symbols which depicts the deities. 

Puja rooms are beautifully decorated with designs of lotus flowers, betel leaves, and conch shells. Chowki (seat of goddess Lakshmi) is designed during Diwali festival and the same practice has used for different type of festivals with different type of God and Goddess. The ceremonial Aipan design is like a Yantra (A noticeable geometric pattern) to symbolize the deity

It is very much popular across the Kumaon region from ancient period, without any caste and creed. Now has spread in whole Uttarakhand with a passion and has used as a tool for commercial purpose for the livelihood of local people especially women. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 14 September 2021

GI Tag Number                         : 648

Certificate Number                  : 389

Geographical Area                  : Uttarakhand

Special Cover Release Date   : 28 November 2021

Cancellation                             : Dehradun 248 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UK/06/2021-2022

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219. Bhotia Dann

Bhotia Dann is a unique form of hand-knotted carpet, that is woven in the high altitude regions of the state of Uttarakhand, by the Bhotia tribe particularly in the districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar. The use of natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques gives Bhotia rugs their unique and beautiful look.

These are hand knotted carpets, made up of pure wool with the conventional design patterns, inspired by traditional Bhotia cultural themes which are very similar to old Tibetan carpets/rugs. The designs mostly comprise geometric patterns, which gives them a unique and elegant appearance. 

The whole process of production of carpet requires highly skilled labour and every step is executed manually, starting from shearing the sheep, preparation and dyeing the yarn, weaving the knots, to finishing of the product. Therefore, whole process of carpet manufacturing is carried out using traditional tools such as Local Charkhas, Bageshwari Charkhas, Kaanth, Panja and knife and loom machines.

Image credit: asiainch.org

The raw material used for making Bhotia dann is wool. The sheep that provide the wool, are reared by these tribes at high altitude. This results in high quality, long lasting, soft wool which provides suitable warmth. The wool is first sheared from the sheep, and then it is washed to remove any impurities. 

The wool is then dyed in natural colours such as indigo, madder and other to get a wide range of colours. The dyes used to colour the woollen threads are natural dyes prepared from plant extracts. The colours used to dye the threads are extracted from local wood, leaves, roots etc, that make carpets more vivacious. Other natural products used for obtaining desired colours are turmeric, wheat flour etc. 

The spun yard is arranged onto a frame called a “warping board”. The warp is made by winding the yarn onto the board in parallel lines. The weaving process starts by setting up a loom. The warp yarns are threaded through the loom, and the weft yarns are woven in between the warp yarns using a shuttle. 

Once the weaving is complete, the rug is ready to be finished. The pile of the rug is created by tying knots on each warp thread. This process is called knotting, and it is done by hand. After knotting, the pile of the rug is cut to an even length using a pair of scissors. This process is called trimming. Finally, the rug is washed to remove any dirt and impurities. The washed rug is then dried in the sun.

The carpets are woven using threads which are smaller in length, and cannot be used in weaving of other woollen products like sweaters, woollen dresses, shawls etc. These small threads are combined together, coloured and then used for weaving of the carpet. Since the resources are limited, they are utilized efficiently. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 14 September 2021

GI Tag Number                         : 589

Certificate Number                  : 375

Geographical Area                  : Uttarakhand

Special Cover Release Date   : 28 November 2021

Cancellation                             : Dehradun 248 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UK/12/2021-2022

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218. Pawndum

Pawndum is an important traditional cloth of the Mizo people. Pawndum literally means ‘black cloth’. (In Mizo language ‘Paun’ means woven cloth from loom, ‘dum’ means black). However, the cloth is not totally black but striped consisting of mostly black and red colour. 

Pawndum is rectangular in shape, the length is about 63" and the breadth is about 44" long. Traditional Pawndum was characterized by bold warp stripes of handspun indigo-dyed blue-black cotton and naturally dyed red cotton obtained from barks of different plants such as sentezel (Calophyllum polyanthum),sentelek and khei(Mallotus phillippensis). 

The weft in Pawndum has always been black. With the introduction and availability of soap dyes and coloured yarn in the market, more complex and rhythmic stripes of different colours such as blue, green, yellow, pink, and purple were incorporated. 

Image credit: asiainch.org

The black weft against the multicoloured warp gives it a vibrant yet deep effect. Although Pawndum is usually characterized by bold 4-inch stripes of black and red, different sizes and colours of other warp stripes are incorporated depending wholly on the preferences of the weaver.

Pawndum is worn by wrapping it around the waist and covers the lower part of the body down almost to the feet. In earlier times, young men usually used this as a night cover during their stay in the men’s dormitory (Zawlbuk) and were also used as attire while performing ‘Khuallam’, one of the famous traditional dances of the Mizos. 

Pawndum always have fringes on both edges lengthwise of about ½" to 1". About an inch from the fringes, a kuthruih design is incorporated throughout the breadth of the puan. This ‘kuthruih’ appears like a simple braid which consist of two colours. On one side, a red and green thread is used whereas a red and black thread is used on the other side. 

Pawndum design consists of groups of red, blue, green, yellow, pink and black stripes in a total of six batches. The first and the sixth batch are similar while the remaining four batches are identical. In all the batches, there are 11 alternating stripes. 

In the first and sixth batches, the three outermost stripes are green, pink and blue. They are of the same width. This is followed by a yellow stripe. Next, two black stripes flanking a thin pink line follows. Next, we have a yellow stripe followed by a blue stripe. The yellow stripe is followed by a  pink stripe and lastly we have a green stripe. The stripes on the cloth follows a certain pattern in such a way that the orientation of the cloth remains the same both ways. 

The second, third, fourth and fifth batches are identical stripes. On each batch, there are eleven stripes. In the middle there is a pink stripe which is flanked by two black stripes. Adjacent to both these black stripes is a yellow stripe. Next to these yellow stripes are two blue stripes which is followed by two pink stripes. The outermost stripes on both sides is a green stripe. In between each of the batch is a red band.

A young Mizo woman was required to weave a Pawndum and carry it along to her new home when she got married. If she failed to carry it to the new home, it was considered her prime duty to weave one soon after going to her in-law’s place. Failure to do so was looked upon as highly disgraceful in the Mizo culture. 

The Pawndum was to be used as a shroud to cover her dead husband’s body had he died during her lifetime. It could also be used to cover the bodies of any close relative on her husband’s side. Pawndum has a deep cultural significance, even to this day.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 06 August 2019

GI Tag Number                         : 586

Certificate Number                  : 347

Geographical Area                  : Mizoram

Special Cover Release Date   : 26 November 2021

Cancellation                             : Aizawl 796 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : NE/11/2021-2022

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