Why in News The Uttar Pradesh state government has made a decision to present GI-tagged Gulabi Meenakari handicrafts as gifts to visiting delegates from G20 nations.
Important Points A Unique Craft from Varanasi:
- Gulabi Meenakari is a rare and exquisite craft practiced in the lanes of Varanasi, near Gai Ghat, India.
- Varanasi is well-known for its splendid Gulabi Meenakari handicrafts, which showcase the remarkable skill and creativity of its artisans.
- Originating from Persia, this art form involves coloring metal surfaces by fusing different colors.
- During the Mughal era in the early 17th century, Persian enamellists introduced this art to Varanasi.
- The term “mina” is derived from the Persian word “Minoo,” meaning “heaven,” referring to the azure color of the sky.
- In Varanasi, Gulabi Meenakari is mainly practiced on jewelry and home decor items.
- Artisans utilize various simple tools, including salai (etching tool), kiln, metal palette, mortar and pestle, kalam (enamel application tool), brass dye, small scrubbing brush, forceps, and takala (needle-like tool for applying colors).
Gulabi Meenakari is popularly found in three forms:
- Ek Rang Khula Meena: Only gold outlines are visible, and a single transparent color is used.
- Panch Rangi Meena: Five colors – red, white, green, light blue, and dark blue – are used.
- Gulabi Meena: This form primarily features the color pink.
Geographical Indications (GI) Tag:
- Geographical Indications of Goods identify the country or place of origin of a product.
- They provide assurance to consumers regarding the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality.
- GI tags are an essential aspect of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS.
