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.

Image credit: indiamart.com

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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142. Sojat Mehndi

Sojat Mehndi originates from mehndi leaves grown in Sojat, and some areas of Marwar Junction, Jaitaran and Raipur villages of Pali District in Rajasthan. Sojat mehndi is hundred percent naturally cultivated by rain water for getting high lawsone content in mehndi leaves.

Mehndi (Hindi Name) is the leaf of a small shrub of the mehndi plant. Botanical classification of the mehndi plant is as given below

Kingdom   : Plantae

Phylum     : Magnoliphyta.

Class        : Magnoliopsida.

Order        : Myrtales

Family      : Lythraceas

Genus      : Lawsonia

Species    : inermis-L

Image source from Internet

Mehndi plant is having a light green colour. Mehndi plant falls under the category of a Perennial Crop. Due to which once mehndi plant sown, it lasts for years. Further, mehndi plants are considered as a Kharif Season Crop. 

As the mehndi plants are rainfed based Crop for initial growth of the plant in initial year. From consequent year onwards, one-two rains are optimal for the growth of healthy leaves on mehndi plant.  After the harvesting leaves of the mehndi plant are dried and powdered. Mehndi powder quality is determined by its colour, purity, its dyeing property and fineness. 

Mehndi is possibly the oldest cosmetic in use. It is commonly used as cosmetic for dyeing hair and palms or feet, has been one of the important plants since ancient times and has been in use for it aromatic and medicinal properties. 

The mehndi leaves gets the best colouring matter when their growth occurs with natural rainwater. In Sojat, mehndi is grown only through natural rain water for getting maximum lawsone content. 

As the Sojat mehndi leaves are thick and small in size. These characteristic helps mehndi leaves to gain the lawsone content. Sojat Mehndi imparts rich dark reddish stains on hands and feet and also acts as a good natural conditioner for hair.

The high lawsone content of Sojat Mehndi leads to following benefits: 

• Deep rich dark reddish color. 

• Acts as a good natural conditioner for hair that is liked by users or consumers. 

• Distinct aroma and reddish color to the Sojat Mehndi. 

• Quality of the Sojat Mehndi remains unchanged. 

• Sojat Mehndi can be stored for longer period of time with no harm

Sojat mehndi is available as Mehndi Powder, Mehndi Cones, Mehndi Hair Colours, Herbal Mehndi Powder. By drying mehndi leaves, fragrant oil is also extracted. The leaves of mehndi plant, bark, seeds and root are taken for medicinal use.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 14 September 2021

GI Tag Number                         : 628

Certificate Number                  : 372

Geographical Area                  : Rajasthan

Special Cover Release Date   : 06 October 2016

Cancellation                             : Pali 205 407

Type                                          : Special Cover

1000 Number Covers are printed

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116. Nashik Grapes

Nashik grapes have an attractive appearance, conical shaped, loose yet well filled bunches, conical bold, fleshy and elongated berries with thin and soft skin, crisp pulp, with few seeds or seedless. 

Nashik Grape is botanically a berry, and further botanical classification of Nashik Grapes is as below

Kingdom   : Plantae

Phylum     : Magnoliphyta.

Class        : Magnoliopsida.

Order        : Vitales

Family      : Vitaceae.

Genus      : Vitis

Species    : Vinifera L

In early 1925, the table grape revolution was started in Ojhar, a small town near Nashik, by Raosaheb Jairam Krishna Gaikwad. Today, table grapes are exported to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Table Grapes are also used to make Raisins and Juices.

The catchment areas of grape production in Nashik District are Kalvan, Peint Igatpuri, Sinnar, Niphad, Yeola, Nandgaon, Satana, Surgana, Dindori and Malegaon. The soil in this microclimatic zone consists of red soil with good drainage conditions. It is said that the water quality is also very suitable for growing high-quality grapes.

Grapes are consumed freshly. There are seven different varieties of grapes grown in Nashik. They are

• Thompson Seedless – Green in Colour, Meidum Sweet, Bigger and Round in Shape

• TAS – A – Ganesh – Green in Colour, Bitter in Taste, Oval in Shape

• Sonaka – Green in Color, Very Sweet in Taste, Long in Shape

• Manik Chaman – Green in Colour, Sweet and Bitter, Not much Round in Shape

• Sharad Seedless – Black in Colour, Sweet in Taste, Shape Round and Big

• Jumbo Seedless – Black in Colour, Sweet in Taste, Oval in Shape

• Black Sonaka – Black in Colour, Very Sweet in Taste, Round and Long in shape

Due to cold winters in November, there is acid formation in grapes. So the fruit which gets ripened during this season have high level of acid and low level of pH. This contributes to good quality of grapes and wines. There is good ratio of sugar and acid present in Nashik Grapes. 

Some of the grape varieties are exceptionally rich in chemicals having medicinal properties, such as resveratrol and anthocyanins. These compounds have been reported to have antioxidant properties and can prevent heart diseases, cancers and even diabetes through reduced insulin resistance.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 06 October 2010

GI Tag Number                         : 165

Certificate Number                  : 140

Geographical Area                  : Maharashtra

Special Cover Release Date   : 31 August 2021

Cancellation                             : Nashik 422 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : MH/23/2021

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India post has also issued few special covers on Nashik Grapes (not an exhaustive list but only items from my collection)

India Post Special Cover on Nashik Grapes
Cancelled at Nashik 422 001 on 17 January 2016

059. Phulkari

Phulkari is a traditional embroidery work with intricate and original geometric or floral designs and patterns, balanced to composition, pleasing and harmonious colour combinations. Originally, Sikhs were the main practitioners and patrons of this art form. However, today Phulkari is made all over Punjab and parts of Haryana and Rajasthan.

The stitches are even, regular and smooth which is reflected at the back of the Phulkari. Only faint and smooth lines of very small dots at regular intervals will be formed on the reverse of the cloth where Phulkari is done

Phulkari means “flower working” or “flower embroidery”. This art form originated in Punjab as early as the 15th century. This form of embroidery has more than twenty three patterns which are skillfully reproduced by artisans trained in this art for several generations.

There are two types of Phulkari – ordinary Phulkari and Bagh Phulkari. In the case of ordinary Phulkari, the embroidery does not cover the entire ground cloth. The designs are scattered over the ground cloth and the same is visible. On the other hand, in the case of a Bagh, the embroidery is so dense that the ground cloth is hardly visible. 

The beauty of Phulkari lies in its intricate and original geometric or floral designs and patterns, balanced composition, pleasing and harmonious colour combinations, which makes it an exquisite work of art. The stitches must be even, regular and smooth which is reflected at the back of the Phulkari. In the best embroidered Phulkari, only faint and smooth lines of very small dots at regular intervals will be formed on the reverse of the cloth.

What distinguishes Phulkari from any other form of embroidery is the extensive use of short and long darn stitches over systematically counted strands of thread on the cloth. Phulkari is invariably embroidered on dyed khaddar. The reason for using khaddar is that counting of strands of thread for embroidery in short and long darn stitches is easier on coarse khaddar. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 22 October 2010

GI Tag Number                         : 27

Certificate Number                  : 145

Geographical Area                  : Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan

Special Cover Release Date   : 13 August 2021

Cancellation                             : Panchkula 134 109

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : HR/04/2021

This cover is issued by Haryana Postal Circle

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A special cover is issued from Punjab Circle on Phulkari

GI Tag Registration Date         : 22 October 2010

GI Tag Number                         : 27

Certificate Number                  : 145

Geographical Area                  : Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan

Special Cover Release Date   : 19 February 2019

Cancellation                             : Patiala 147 001

Type                                          : Special Cover

This cover is issued by Punjab Postal Circle

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Images of few postage stamps issued by India Post on Phulkari is furnished below

Sheetlet on Phulkari Issued on 19 December 2019
Embroideries of India

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A special cancellation on Phulkari issued from Chandigarh

Special Cancellation on 19 March 1980 at Chandigarh depicting Phulkari art

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037. Kancheepuram Silk

Kancheepuram Silk Saree is known for its distinguished characteristics of heavy weight, bright colours and solid zari borders with “Pallu” and with unquestionable durability. It is made in region of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu and are worn as bridal & special occasion sarees by most women in South India.

Craftsmanship and silk producing tradition were continued at Kanchipuram right from 3rd Century BC. Kancheepuram sarees vary widely in cost depending upon the intricacy of work, colours, pattern, material used like zari (gold thread) etc. 

The silk is also known for its quality and craftsmanship, which has helped earn its name. Bulk of the silk fabrics are woven on throw shuttle looms. The texture in silk fabrics is tight and close and needs a special skill and patience to produce these fabrics.

Kancheepuram sarees is well known for its inter woven lace (zari) work which is made of silver wire, red silk, silver thread and gold. The chief attraction of silk fabric is being its luster and it is imparted by the unique quality of water used at Kancheepuram. 

Kancheepuram Sarees are distinguished by their wide contrast borders. Temple borders, checks, stripes and floral (buttas) are traditional designs found on these sarees. The patterns and designs were inspired with images and scriptures in South Indian temples or natural features like leaves, birds and animals.

If the mundhi (the hanging end of the saree) has to be woven in a different shade, it is first separately woven and then delicately joined by a process called Petni. The part where the body meets the mundhi is often denoted by a zigzag line which blends together in harmony of colours.

The border colour and design are usually quite different from the body. In a genuine Kancheepuram Silk Saree, body and border are woven separately and then interlocked together. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 02 June 2005

GI Tag Number                         : 15

Certificate Number                  : 6

Geographical Area                  : Tamil Nadu

Special Cover Release Date   : 12 May 2021

Cancellation                             : Kanchipuram 631 501

Type                                          : Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  : TN/06/2021

This cover has a small replica of Kanchipuram Silk design

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Images of Postage Stamp issued by India Post on Kancheepuram Silk are furnished below

Postage Stamp Issued on 10 December 2009

Traditional Indian Textiles

Mixed Sheetlet - Traditional Indian Textiles

Miniature Sheet - Traditional Indian Textiles

025. Alleppey Coir

Alleppey Coir refers to the Coir products made in Ambalappuzha and Cherthala Taluks of Alappuzha district, in the state of Kerala, India. Even though Coir yarn is spun from time immemorial, production of value added Coir products was first commenced in 1859. 

The pleasant climate and the presence of rivers and lakes running parallel to the coast provide a fertile climate for coconut cultivation. Coconut husk is the raw material for rope, which is locally available in Kerala. Coir and coir products are mainly used in agriculture, fishing, household appliances, and the construction of houses and boats. Due to the superior fibre quality of coconuts in Kerala in terms of colour, durability, and flexibility, Alleppey coir and its products are in high demand in the global market.

Coir fibre is extracted by a biological process known as “retting”. It involves immersing of well matured husks of coconut in the saline back waters for months together. Coir is then extracted by beating the retted husk with wooden mallets by women workers. Retted fibre is dried under sun and spun into finer varieties of coir yarn.

With the skill and craftmanship of the small cottage industry workers a wide range of products are produced out of handloom from this yarn. The finished coir products such as clinical mattresses, mats, carpets, baskets, rugs, ropes, geo-textiles and many more, have gained popularity in the modern society.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 16 May 2007

GI Tag Number                         : 54

Certificate Number                  : 34

Geographical Area                  : Kerala

Special Cover Release Date   : 22 January 2021

Cancellation                             : Vembanad Kayal 688 006

Type                                          : Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  : KL/01/2021

This cover is made partly from Coir

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024. Uppada Jamdani Sarees

Uppada Jamdani Saree is an exclusive light weight handloom sari created by weavers of Uppada village in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. The name Jamdani is a Persian terminology, in which Jam means flower and Dani means Vase. Speciality of Jamdani saree is that it gets design on both the sides.

Uppada Jamdani style of weaving originated more than 300 years back and was patronized by the Maharajas of Pithapuram, Venkatagiri & Bobili. Mostly sarees were woven for being worn by the ladies of the royal household only. The designs mostly woven are that of birds and animals. The mostly preferred birds are parrot and peacocks. Among animals elephant designs are most popular. The designs of flowers are also woven on to the sarees.

Weaving of saree involves, laying out its design, interweaving silk threads, looming, etc. Uppada Jamdhani Sarees which are woven on cotton, silk, tussar or mercerized cotton or any combination of two or more of the same. The designs are woven using silver or gold zari or a combination of both. Sometimes cotton threads are also used along with the silver or gold zari to weave the design.  The weavers design in such a way that it can be folded and fits in a matchbox. 

The specialty of the designs that is woven is that the design on the goods cannot be felt by the hand, separately from the surface of the cloth as the design blends into the cloth. Secondly the design is also clearly seen, distinct and distinguishable on the reverse side also. Further no loose threads can be seen on either side (front and back) of the design. The entire designs are hand woven without using any mechanical device such as a doby or jacquard which are special mechanisms fit into the loom to weave the designs in other forms of weaving. Further the special type of weaving using ada, jala and thillis contribute to the uniqueness of the goods.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 05 March 2009

GI Tag Number                         : 122

Certificate Number                  : 106

Geographical Area                  : Andhra Pradesh

Special Cover Release Date   : 03 January 2020

Cancellation                             : Uppada 533 440

Type                                          : Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  : AP/42/2019

This cover has a small piece of Uppada Jamdani Fabric

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