- World famous Basohli Paintings from Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir (UT) and Ladakh Wood Carving of Ladakh (UT) received Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging.
- The Geographical Indications (GI) is a form of intellectual property right that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical location and having distinct nature, quality and characteristics linked to that location.
- The process for GI Tagging of these products was started by NABARD in consultation with and support from the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom in December 2020, during the difficult times of COVID.
- On March 31, 2023, 33 products of the country have been given GI tag in which both these products were also included.
- The world-famous Basohli painting from Kathua district is the first independent GI tag from the Jammu region, while Ladakh wood carving is the first handicraft from Ladakh.
- The products that have received GI tagging include Basholi Pashmina Woolen Products (Kathua), Chikri Wood Craft (Rajouri), Bhaderwah Rajma (Doda), Mushkabudji Rice (Anantnag), Kaladi (Udhampur), Sulai Honey (Ramban), Pomegranate (Ramban).
Basohli Painting:-
- It is a fusion of Hindu mythology, Mughal miniature techniques and the folk art of the local hills, which developed into a distinct style of painting in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- This style of painting takes its name from the place of its origin – the hill town of Basohli, about 80 km away.
Ladakh Wood Carving:-
- This craft is prevalent in Wanla and Joglamsar districts of Leh. Items ranging from folding tables to wooden vessels called Choctse, large tables, cupboards, ritual bowls, covered cups to printing blocks are produced under this craft-form.