Table of Contents
- The Narasingapettai Nagaswaram has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag under ‘musical instruments of class 15’.
- The unique feature of the nagaswaram is its production process – it is handmade in Narasingapettai village in Thanjavur, unlike the other machine-made ones
- The application for the tag was filed on behalf of Thanjavur Musical Instruments Workers Co-operative Cottage Industrial Society Limited and facilitated by his team.
- The GI registry has issued the registration certificate number 420 dated January 21, 2022. Originally the application was filed on January 31, 2014.
- The artisans based at Narasinganpettai village, who inherited the skill of making these wooden instruments from their forefathers, are making them through a process requiring specialised skills.
- The nagaswaram now being used by artists throughout is called ‘pari nagaswaram’, which is longer than the ‘thimiri’.
- A major portion of the ‘Narasinghapettai nagaswaram’ is made from the Aacha (Hardwickia binata) tree and many a time the artisans use the wood from parts of old houses.
- The artisans use drilling machines, besides carpentry tools, to make the nagaswarams that are played widely in functions like weddings and temple festivals.
About Narasingapettai Nadaswaram
- Nagaswaram is a wind instrument made of wood and metal. The instrument has also been accorded a high status as a ‘Mangala Vadyam’ and is played in religious ceremonies, auspicious occasions, and classical concerts.
- It is handmade in Narasingapettai village in Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, unlike the other machine-made ones.
- The reeds are made from the leaves of a locally grown plant ‘naanal’ (a variety of bamboo).
- The instrument has a cylindrical body that flares out into a bell shape at the bottom.
- It is this form that provides the nagaswaram with its characteristic volume and captivating tone.
- The length of the instrument is two and a half feet. It is a double-reed wind instrument with a large flaring bell.
- The double-reeded instrument is made up of wood and has two parts – a conical tube and a metal bell.
- Traditionally, nadaswarams are made with aacha maram ( Hardwickia binate , Indian Blackwood).
- “But you can’t use fresh wood; it has to be at least 75-100 years old. Young wood will bend and bow. All this wood was once lintels and pillars of old houses.”
- Sometimes, the instrument is also known as ‘nakaswaram’. It is believed that Lord Shiva gifted the instrument to the demon, Nagasuran. Furthermore, it has the shape of a snake, and nagas (meaning snakes) used this instrument, hence it came to be known as nagaswaram.
- Made out of wood, the main centre where this instrument is carved or produced is Thanjavur.
- The horn-like portion of Nagaswaram is known as ‘Olavi’ and the loudspeaker-like portion ‘anasu’. ‘Jeevali’ is played at one end of the horn.
- It is through this ‘jeevali’ that air is blown. To make nagaswaram, the artisans use drilling machines, carpentry tools, and sometimes, woods from parts of old houses.
What is GI Tag?
- According to World intelectual property organization ( WIPO), A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
GI Tags of Tamil Nadu
Handicraft
- Salem Fabric
- Toda Embroidery
- Pattamadai Pai (Pattamadai Mats)
- Kancheepuram silk
- Bhavani Jamakkalam
- Madurai Sungudi
- Thanjavur painting
- Swamimalai Bronze Icons
- Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture
- Arumbavur Wood Carvings
- Thanjavur Art Plate (Logo)
- Swamimalai Bronze Icons (Logo)
- Temple Jewellery of Nagercoil (Logo)
- Thanjavur Veenai (Tanjore Veena)
- Thanjavur Art Plate
- Temple decorations of Nagercoil
- Arani Silk
- Kovai Kora Cotton Saree
- Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku (Nachiarkoil Lamp)
- Salem Silk, known as Salem Venpattu
Manufactured
- Coimbatore Wet Grinder
- East India leather
Agricultural
- Malabar Pepper
- Eathomozhy Tall Coconut
- Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric)
- Eucalyptus
- Madurai Malli
- Virupakshi banana
- Kodaikanal Malai Poondu
- Seeraga Samba Rice
- Pattamadai Pai (“Pattamadai Mat”)
- Serumalai Hill Banana
Food stuff
- Chettinad Kottan
- Palani Panchamirtham
- Srivilliputtur Palkova
- Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai
- Kanniyakumari clove
Question:
Which was the first Indian product to get the geographical indication tag?
(a) Aranmula Kannadi
(b) Darjeeling Tea
(c) Katarni Rice
(d) Madhubani Paintings
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