Geographical Indication (GI) tags
A legal tag that ties a product's name to the place it comes from, so only producers from that region can use it.
What the paper can ask
- Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, in force from 15 September 2003; based on TRIPS Article 22.
- Darjeeling tea was the first GI recognised in India (2004-05).
- 822 registered GIs as of 2026. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Examples: Mysore silk, Alphonso mango, Malabar pepper, Nilgiri tea, Madhubani paintings, Warli painting and Odisha Pattachitra.
Why exams ask
Which state a GI product comes from, the first GI, the Act's year and the latest additions are the usual questions.
The full story
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign on goods that have a specific origin and qualities or a reputation due to that place: Darjeeling tea, Kanchipuram silk, Banarasi sarees. India's GI Act of 1999, in force since 2003, follows the WTO's TRIPS agreement. Once registered, only authorised producers of the region may use the name.
In the news
Test yourself
1.Which GI-tagged craft of Bidar involves inlaying silver on a blackened zinc-copper alloy?
Correct. Bidriware of Bidar, Karnataka, uses silver inlay on a blackened zinc-copper alloy; GI registered 2005-06 (application 20).
Not quite. Bidriware of Bidar, Karnataka, uses silver inlay on a blackened zinc-copper alloy; GI registered 2005-06 (application 20). It goes into your error book.
2.Pochampally ikat, a GI-tagged textile, is woven mainly in which state?
Correct. Pochampalli Ikat, registered under Telangana in the GI Registry (2004-05), is known for double ikat woven at Bhoodan Pochampally.
Not quite. Pochampalli Ikat, registered under Telangana in the GI Registry (2004-05), is known for double ikat woven at Bhoodan Pochampally. It goes into your error book.
3.Kanchipuram silk sarees, a GI-tagged product, are from which state?
Correct. Kancheepuram Silk, woven from mulberry silk in Tamil Nadu, was GI registered in 2005-06.
Not quite. Kancheepuram Silk, woven from mulberry silk in Tamil Nadu, was GI registered in 2005-06. It goes into your error book.