Kutchi shawl likely to get GI tag

Ahmedabad, Aug 29: A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is on the cards for the colourful Kutchi shawls, woven with motifs by artisan communities for past several generations in Kutch district of Gujarat.

Claiming a 500-year-old history linked with the weaving of Kutchi shawls in Gujarat, the Kutch Weavers' Association (KWA) has filed an application for grant of GI with the Registrar in Chennai.

"The application for registration of Kutch shawls for GI has been accepted. It is now placed for comments from the public," Deputy Registrar (Trade Marks and GI), G L Verma told PTI over telephone from Chennai.

Worn in winters, the shawls made in acrylic wool are dyed and have one solid bright colour throughout without any tie-dye (Bandhani).

"The weavers of shawl in Kutch claim a 500 year old history in the region and are originally from Rajasthan. They are called Meghwal wankars (weavers)," said Gabhu Magariya, a member of Kutch Weavers Association (KWA).

There are currently 1,200 weavers who work in 210 villages of Kutch, 800-900 practice the craft full time. Around 2,400 women are engaged in preparatory and finishing processes, the GI application stated.

"The shawl is woven with traditional Kutchi motifs and is processesed on handlooms largely in Bhujodi, a village of Kutch," Magariya said adding that villages like Gambudi, Manukna, Bundra, Tukma also house communities of such shawl weavers.

"The Kutchi shawls are sold in domestic markets and are exported as well to countries like US and Europe," he said.

PTI