GI Tag to Thanjavur Netti Works, Arumbavur Wood Carvings and Puttapaka Telia Rumal

Was may the month of South Indian cultural glorifications or what? At least three products hailing from the Deccan received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, including Thanjavur Netti Works, Arumbavur Wood Carvings and Puttapaka Telia Rumal.

Thanjavur Netti (Pith) Works

After 7 years, the beautifully designed pith works hailing from the town of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu earned what it deserved. The application for the same was filed by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (Poompuhar). Portraying cultural heritage since ages, the pith is obtained from a hydrophyte plant regared as Aeschynomene aspers. Thanks to the marshy land around Thanjavur region which favours the growth of hydrophytic plant. Since centuries, glimpses of the Thanjavur Netti works can be spotted as models of Hindu Idols, Garlands, and Decorative pieces as well as in the Brihadeeshwara temple.

Renowned IPR attorney Sanjai Gandhi who had given notable contribution in getting GI tag exclaimed, “The artisans are skilled in this particular craft and this art is transferred from their forefathers.”

Arumbavur Wood Carvings

Designed by the craftsman of Arumbavur and Perambalur district, Arumbavur Wood Carvings are a marvel in themselves. Ranging from dimensions of 1 to 12 feet, the carvings are made out of Indian woods like siris, mango, lingam tree, Indian ash tree, and rosewood and neem tree. The artworks and sculptures usually imitate a deity and its associated characteristics like Hindu idols of Lord Vinayaka, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as well as figures of Jesus Christ and the Christian cross. In addition, lotus, mythical swans, horses, temple chariots, etc. are also some easily spotted wood carvings. The GI application for Ambavur Wood Carvings was collectively filed Poompuhar, Arumbavur Wood Carvers’ Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Society Limited together with Arumbavur Car and Woodcarving Artisans Welfare Society, back in the year 2013.

Puttapaka Telia Rumal

Filed by ‘The Consortium of Puttapaka Handloom Cluster’ of Telangana, the application for Puttapaka Telia Rumal now stands as registered. All it involves are traditional handlooms, red, white and black coloured fabrics and of course, the undying skill and determination of weavers. Telia Rumal is in fact, a unique tie and dye process involving oil to make the yarn soft besides giving it a gingelly smell. It is usually applied while designing handkerchiefs, saris, dupattas and other dress materials by the weavers of Puttapaka in Nalgonda. Since ages, the natives are engaged in designing and weaving handlooms available in figurative patterns, abstract and exotic designs.