277. Mithila Makhana

Mithila Makhana (botanical name: Euryale ferox Salisbury) is a special variety of aquatic fox nut cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar. Makhana is also termed as Makhaan in Maithili. It is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the Goddesses during festivals and is used to show reverence. It is one of the three prestigious cultural identities of Mithila: Pond, Fish and Makhan

“Makhana” is derived from the Sanskrit word for grain Mak. Mak is the meaning of sacrifice. Grain that is widely used in sacrifice. Mithila Makhana has Large spherical leaf, dark purple flowers, medium to large size fruit; bold, small, round, oval, smooth and slightly rough outer seed coat surface with thick to very thin seed coat in comparison to other genotypes.

Mithilanchal region (holy land of Ma Vaidehi / Sita) of North Bihar is the principal area of its present existence where it is extensively cultivated considered as a potential aquatic cash crop besides extensive and intensive cultivation of this crop in lowland field condition in Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

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Biological classification of Mithila Makhana is as given below.

Kingdom     : Plantae 

Division      : Magnoliphyta 

Class          : Magnoliopsida 

Order         : Nymphaeales

Family       : Nymphaceae 

Genus       : Euryale

Species    : Ferox

In a Sanskrit Book Shardhchintamanih it is mentioned that Makhana is grown water bodies, their rhizomes, seeds and pop are used as eatables by making different types of food ingredients. In religious and cultural functions in Mithila region of Bihar can’t be started without offering of Makhana to Goddess. It symbolises like rising sun

Harvesting and processing (roasting and popping) of Makhana seed to popped lava by traditional method is a unique and indigenous techniques of fishermen community of Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

It is one of the most common dry fruits utilized by the people due to low fat content, high contents of carbohydrates, protein and minerals. Both raw and fried Makhana are fairly rich in essential amino acids. Edible perisperm constitutes 80 per cent starch. Makhana is a store house of macro and micro-nutrients. 

The seeds are eaten raw or roasted. The seeds are sold in market and used as a farinaceous food. A lot of medicinal uses are recommended in the Indian system of medicine. Makhana is recommended for treatment of diseases regarding respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems, etc. 

Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine recommends makhana to be beneficial in Tridosas (the seminal Ayurvedic theory of diagnosing diseases on the basis of three principal defects of the body), especially in Vata (rheumatic disorders) and Pitta (bile disorders). 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 16 August 2022

GI Tag Number                         : 696

Certificate Number                  : 421

Geographical Area                  : Bihar

Special Cover Release Date   : 05 September 2021

Cancellation                             : Darbhanga 846 005

Type                                          : Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  : BH-13/September,2021

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251. Magahi Paan

Magahi Paan (Piper betle L. magahi) is a local and traditional cultivar of betelvine that is grown commercially particularly in magadh region of Bihar by small and marginal farmers. Green Heart Shaped Leaf of betelvine is known as “Paan”. Its leaf is very popular among pan chewers worldwide due to aroma (pungent) and less fibrous soft leaf.

Magahi betel leaf get its name from Magadha where it is exclusively cultivated. The Magadha region of Bihar includes Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada and Nalanda districts of south Bihar. No one knows how and when the first Magahi plant cuttings reached here but it has been growing for generations. It is believed that the first plant came from Malaysia.

Image credit: sahasa.in

Magahi paan grown in these areas are of excellent quality and it is expensive among other betel leaf. Magahi Panna’s betel quid is pungent, less fibrous and easily soluble inside mouth. It is known for appearance, shiny dark green colour, typical taste and excellent keeping quality. 

Magahi Paan crop is cultivated under artificial conservatory (Baroj or Baretha) which provide shade conditions. The Baroj structure is generally prepared densely with bamboos or local available paddy straws in these areas. It helps in softness and dark green colour of Magahi Paan.

Betel plants are propagated via cuttings since they don't bear flowers, hence no seeds. The soil is ploughed into long and deep furrows, and the stems are planted besides the furrows where soil accumulates so that water does not reach the plant's root as water logging at the root rot the plants.

Region specific quality attributes are found in Magahi Paan like softness, smooth and glossy leaves which is preferred by Paan chewers & traders. Magahi Paan has long self-life (Keeping quality)of 15 – 20 days as compared to other Paan having only 10-15 days.

Magahi Paan is pungent in nature due to presence of eugenol and acetyleugenol as major components in its essential oil. The taste of Magahi Paan is sweeter than other Paan. Leaf of Magahi paan is the smallest among the all other cultivars of Paan. 

Traditionally paste of betel’s leaf (Paan) or its essential oil is used as treatment of various human diseases and for nutritional purposes. Its juice along with honey or a liquid extract is useful to treat coughs, dyspnoea, and indigestion, among children. Magahi Paan is generally used by common people as mouth freshener, antiseptics, stimulant and for cough relief.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 28 March 2018

GI Tag Number                         : 554

Certificate Number                  : 313

Geographical Area                  : Bihar

Special Cover Release Date   : 25 February 2022

Cancellation                             : Patna 800 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : BH-05/February,2022

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131. Katarni Rice

Katarni Rice is the most prevalent, ceremonial and finest quality scented rice of Bihar, India. “Katarni Rice” is famous for its aromatic flavour, palatability and chura (beaten rice) making qualities. It is grown in of Munger, Banka and South Bhagalpur Districts.

Katarni, a superior fine grain variety is a Ceremonial Rice is known for its pleasant fragrance, a local relish and excellent cooking quality. The Rice variety was introduced by Maharaja Rahmat Khan Bahadur and has equal export potential as that of Basmati Variety.

The word “Katarni” literally means an awl with a hook at the end for sewing. Awl is a pointed tool for making holes, as in wood or leather. It has been given its name due to the resemblance of the tip of its husk (apicull) with awl which also called ‘takna’ in South Bhagalpur and ‘tipuni’ in South Munger.

Katarni rice is medium slender grained, tall and photosensitive landrace and grain filling occurs in hazy sunshine. It is tolerant to cold but sensitive to rain at flowering. The cooked rice is fluffy, soft, non-sticky, sweet, and easily digestible with pop-corn like aroma.

Harvesting of the crop is done when the panicles are mature and the plants have turned considerably yellow. The crop can be harvested manually by sickles or by combine harvester. After threshing, the grains should be sun dried for storage.

Uniqueness of Katarni rice on Morphological Traits is as given below

• The husk is dark brown. 

• Aroma of both cooked and uncooked rice is strongly scented. 

• Newly milled rice is non-sticky, digestible and sweet and cooked rice is fluffy. 

• The beaten rice (Poha or Chura) of Katarni is scented, very soft and sweet. 

• The leaf and dehusked grains of Katarni give strong aroma.

Health benefits of Katarni Rice are 

• Contains a good balance or proteins, carbohydrates and fibre. 

• Represents a good source of some vitamins and minerals. 

• Low in calories and fat.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 28 March 2018

GI Tag Number                         : 553

Certificate Number                  : 312

Geographical Area                  : Bihar

Special Cover Release Date   : 03 September 2021

Cancellation                             : Bhagalpur 812 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : BH-11 / September 2021

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130. Bhagalpuri Zardalu

Bhagalpuri Zardalu or Jardalu is early or mid season variety of mango. It is one of the most sought after mango variety from Bhagalpur and adjoining areas of Banka and Munger districts of Bihar. Its fruits are creamy yellow in colour having exceptional fruit quality and an enticing aroma. 

It is fairly heavy bearing in nature and derives its name from Jardalu (apricot), a dry fruit owing to similarity of shape and quality. 

The trees are moderately vigorous, spreading, top round, trunk slender and thicker shoots. The leaves of Zardalu plant are spreading with deep chrysolite green colour.

The fruits are medium, oblong, shoulders unequal, beak distinct to prominent with broad pointed apex. The fruit skin is thin and golden yellow in colour and with small, moderately distinct dots.

Flesh of the fruit is firm to soft, sparingly fibrous and capucine yellow in colour. The flavour of the fruit is very pleasant to delightfully sweet and moderately abundant juice. The stone is medium in size, oblongand covered all over with dense short and soft fibers.

Zardalu mango plants are propagated by veneer grafting. In this method the scion or bud stick are detached completely from the mother plant at the time of grafting. 

Zardalu mangoes are harvested when fruits attain its full size and shoulders of fruit raises above the point of attachment. The peel colour of mature fruit changes from dark green to light green.

Zardalu Mango belongs to Mangifera Indica L species. Biological Classification of this Mango species is as given below:

Kingdom     : Plantae 

Division      : Magnoliophyta 

Class          : Magnoliopsida 

Subclass    : Rosidae 

Order         : Sapindales 

Family       : Anacardiaceae 

Genus       : Mangifera 

Species    : Indica L 

Zardalu or Jardalu as it is also known as, has a rich heritage. The first Zardalu mango sapling was planted in Bhagalpur region by the then Maharaja Rahmat Ali Khan Bahadur of Haveli Kharagpur sometime between 1810 – 1820. Local growers say that this first tree called as the mother tree has been preserved for over two centuries in Tagepur village.

It is a rich source of Vitamin A, B6 and C, potassium, magnesium and copper and packed with antioxidants. This mango has more fibre and less sugar content.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 28 March 2018

GI Tag Number                         : 551

Certificate Number                  : 311

Geographical Area                  : Bihar

Special Cover Release Date   : 03 September 2021

Cancellation                             : Bhagalpur 812 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : BH-10 / September 2021

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097. Applique (Khatwa) Work of Bihar

Applique (Khatwa) work of Bihar an ancient craft of patchwork with used waste pieces of cloth, practiced mainly by women in Sitamarhi and Madhubani districts of Bihar. Traditionally it is done with white cloth on bright backgrounds like red or orange. So fine was the work that, in the past, the articles produced were used by kings, emperors, and the nobility.

Today this Appliqué work is done for their personal garments or for commercial purpose. The colours range from scarlet, orange, and yellow, to pale green, mauve, and white. In garments like caps and blouses, embroidery is combined with appliqué. 

Most of the raw materials are produced on cream markeen fabric and occasionally in other coloured shades of casement fabric. Coloured handloom is used for saris, kurtas, and dupattas, and sometimes tussar silk is used in making stoles and jackets. 

The motifs include human figures, trees, flowers, animals, and birds. Circular cut-work is for the central motifs and quarter-circles are used for the corners. The background colour and the foreground appliqué motifs are cleverly arranged to give the design an entirely new dimension.

A master chart of the appliqué designs, called awalkhana, is prepared on the cloth before the work is executed. First outline of the design is traced or drawn directly onto the cloth. Then the coloured cloth is also outlined and cut to the desired shape and size and stitched on the base cloth. Stories and compositions are prepared by the women who also choose their own colours and themes. 

The stitching in Khatwa cloth is a practical way of connecting three or four layers of cloth together. The balance between what stitches do-patch, repair, connect and hold layers together and what the stitches can become narrative elements is a key to understanding the artistic expression of the women in Bihar

The applique and patchwork of Bihar is commonly found on wall hangings, Shamianas (decorative tents and canopies that are used on festive occasions, and on religious and social ceremonies), and even on saris, dupattas, cushion covers, table cloths, curtains, bedspreads, bolster coverts etc.

The Khatwa craftswomen also have used hand woven silk and naturally dyed cloth. The two principal items of this craft continue to be used today as modern utility items such as cushion covers, curtains, tea cozies, table-cloths, curtains, blouse pieces and sari borders. 

The canopies are made of thick background materials, usually red or orange, appliquéd with geometric patterns cut from thin white cloth. The walls of the tents bear designs of flowers, birds and trees. The vibrant colors used in the appliqué reflect the joyous mood of the revelers.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 23 November 2007

GI Tag Number                         : 73

Certificate Number                  : 44

Geographical Area                  : Bihar

Special Cover Release Date   : 26 August 2021

Cancellation                             : Madhubani 847 211

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : BH-09/August,2021

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Interestingly the back side cover description describes about Applique drawing work - a special type of Rangoli prepared during Mithila Deity Worship. However GI Tag is issued for Applique Patch Work.

092. Sujini Embroidery Work of Bihar

Sujini Embroidery Work of Bihar is a traditional form of hand embroidery exclusively made by women in villages of Bhusra in the Gaighat block of Muzaffarpur District. It is usually a quilt or bed spread, which was earlier made of old clothes, but is now generally made of easily available fabric with embroidery done with the most simple stitches with motifs narrating stories. 

The earliest known traditional practice of making the embroidered Sujini quilt is traced to the 18th century. It possibly began as a ritualistic practice in tribute to Chitiriya Ma, the lady of tatters. 

Traditionally, the Sujini technique was used to put together a quilt from old sarees and dhotis for new born babies. It was then made with pieces of cloth in different colours derived from used saris and dhotis by sewing them together, adopting a simple running stitch. The word Sujini is a compound word of ‘su’ meaning "easy and facilitating" and ‘jani’ meaning "birth".

The uniqueness of Sujini embroidery primarily lies in its story-telling theme. Stories are mainly based on contemporary problems of peace and harmony and issues related to the rural women’s world. The stories depict themes ranging from village life and the Hindu epics to concerns about election violence, the education of girls, and lessons in health care.

The outline of the design is traced or drawn directly on to the cloth. A fine running stitch all over the sheet in the same colour as the base cloth prepares the background. Chain stitch (usually black or red) is used to outline the motifs, and the details are then filled in with tiny running stitches in coloured threads.

Sujini embroidery designs begin either from the central or the outer layers depending on what the dominant features will be. The rest of the Sujini is filled in with figures, objects, symbolic scenes, shapes and combinations left totally to the imagination of the craft woman. 

The stitches used are of the simplest kind. The running stitch is the main stitch. The empty spaces are filled with the running stitch, length and spacing being regulated. The running stitch moves around the patterns to create a rippling and whirling effect, molding and making the motifs stand out against the background of the cloth. 

Sujini embroidery resembles Kantha stitch of West Bengal but varies from one another in terms of hues, motifs and motifs.  The main difference is that in Kantha weaving craftsmen do not follow a particular method of stitching as they follow any direction of their choice while Sujini embroidery deals with stitching carried out in straight lines.

Most of the Sujini furnishing items today are produced on cream markeen fabric. Occasionally brown and black casement fabric is used. Coloured mull or handloom is used for saris, kurtas, and dupattas, and sometimes tussar silk is used in making stoles and jackets. Sujini embroidered work includes bedspreads, wall hangings, and cushion and bolster covers as well as clothing items like saris, dupattas, and kurtas. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 23 November 2007

GI Tag Number                         : 74

Certificate Number                  : 45

Geographical Area                  : Bihar

Special Cover Release Date   : 25 August 2021

Cancellation                             : Muzaffarpur 842 002

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : BH-08/August,2021

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India post has also issued a postage stamp on Sujini Embroidery. Details of the same are furnished below

Sheetlet - Embroideries of India - Sujani
Issued on 19 December 2019

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091. Shahi Litchi of Bihar

Shahi Litchi of Bihar is a unique variety of litchi mainly grown in Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Vaishali, East Champaran and Begusarai and some parts of adjoining areas. Its known for its very attractive fruits of crimson red colour, pleasant aroma, juiciness, good sugar acid blend and high pulp to seed ratio.  It is said that due to high calcium content in soil the fruits of litchi are better in these areas.

The scientific name and family details of Shahi Litchi are given below:

Family                : Sapindaceae 

Genus                : Litchi 

Botanical Name : Litchi chinensis Sonn 

Division              : Magnoliophyta 

Class                 : Magnoliopsida 

Order                 : Sapindales 

Family                : Sapindaceae 

Sub family          : Nepheleae

The plant of this variety is semi vigorous, dense, round-topped, slow-growing, 6-10 m high and equally broad. Leaf is dark green, medium size and lamina curved upward (boat shaped). 

Leaflets are leathery, smooth, glossy, dark-green on the upper surface and greyish-green beneath. Fruits are of large size, nearly round in shape, crimson red in colour. Peel is thin and stone is of medium size. Juicy aril is of cream colour with a juice percent of 58-67. 

The plant of shahi litchi is propagated through vegetative means by air layering or 'gootee'. It is done after completion of fruiting and with onset of monsoon i.e. in the month of June. Planting is normally done during July -September after the monsoon has set in. Before planting, the land is thoroughly ploughed and leveled. 

Suitable wind break trees like silver oak, sesbania, drumstick, etc. are planted along the boundary of litchi plantation to protect the young plants from hot winds and cold waves. Young plants are also be covered with thatch by the end of November to protect them from frost injury. 

Frequent irrigation, weed and nutritional management is required for faster growth and early fruiting. Shahi litchi starts flowering at 3-4 years of age. Flowering at early stage is removed and fruiting is generally taken after five years. 

Hardly 15 to 25 percent of initial fruit set reach to maturity. Shahi litchi takes about 8-9 weeks from fruit set to attain maturity. Maturity is marked by the full colour development on peel of the fruit and tubercles become somewhat flattened.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 05 October 2018

GI Tag Number                         : 552

Certificate Number                  : 326

Geographical Area                  : Bihar

Special Cover Release Date   : 25 August 2021

Cancellation                             : Muzaffarpur 842 002

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : BH-07/August,2021

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India Post has also issued a Postage Stamp on Shahi Litchi of Bihar, details of the same are furnished below.

Postage Stamp Extracted from Souvenir Sheet 
"Geographical Indications : Agriculture Goods"
Issued on 13 February 2023