In News:

The traditional tribal mat Kannadippaya from Kerala has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant milestone in the protection and promotion of India’s tribal handicraft heritage.

About Kannadippaya

• Origin and Craftsmanship:Kannadippaya (literally, mirror mat) is a unique handicraft made by various tribal communities of Kerala, notably the Oorali, Mannan, Muthuvan, Malayan, Kadar, Ulladan, Malayarayan, and Hill Pulaya tribes. The craft is predominantly practiced in Idukki, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Palakkad districts.
• Raw Material:The mat is woven using the soft inner layers of reed bamboo (Teinostachyumwightii) and other bamboo species such as Ochlandra sp., known locally by various names including Njoonjileetta and Kanjoora.
• Functional and Aesthetic Value:The mat’s reflective design gives it a mirror-like appearance. It offers thermal comfort by providing warmth during winter and cooling during summer, showcasing traditional ecological knowledge.
• Historical Significance:Historically, these mats were offered by tribal communities as a token of honour to kings, reflecting the cultural and symbolic value attached to the craft.

Significance of the GI Tag

• Cultural Recognition:Kannadippaya becomes Kerala’s first tribal handicraft to receive a GI tag, acknowledging its cultural uniqueness and heritage value.
• Economic Empowerment:The GI tag is expected to:
  • Provide market protection for tribal artisans.
  • Enable branding and certification, enhancing the product's authenticity.
  • Open national and international markets, especially for eco-friendly, sustainable products.
  • Encourage entrepreneurship among tribal communities, reducing dependency on intermediaries.
• Institutional Support:
  • The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) played a pivotal role in securing the GI tag, along with contributions from experts.
  • The application was supported by tribal cooperatives like UnarvuPattikavarghaVividodeshaSahakarana Sangam and Vanasree Bamboo Craft, Idukki.

Challenges and the Way Forward

• Lack of Structured Market:Artisans have highlighted the absence of a robust marketing ecosystem. There is a need for State and Central government interventions to:
  • Facilitate marketing infrastructure and e-commerce platforms.
  • Provide training and capacity-building for artisans.
  • Encourage younger generations to take up the craft through incentives and education.
• Sustainability and Global Demand:Given the rising demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products globally, Kannadippaya has the potential to become a symbol of India’s green and inclusive development model.