Q.6 How does the granting a Geographical Indicator (GI) Tag to Majuli Masks and Majuli Manuscripts impact the cultural preservation and artisan empowerment within the region?
24,Oct 2024
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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The granting of Geographical Indicator (GI) Tags to the Majuli Masks and Majuli Manuscripts plays a crucial role in the cultural preservation and artisan empowerment of the Majuli region in Assam. These traditional art forms, deeply embedded in Assam’s Vaishnavite culture, have gained both national and international recognition through the GI tag, providing multiple cultural and socio-economic benefits.
1. Cultural Preservation:
Majuli Masks and Manuscripts are a part of the Satra tradition of Majuli, where artisans and monks have been preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of Assam for centuries. The GI tag helps to formalize and protect the unique techniques, materials, and artistry involved in creating these items, preventing their dilution or misuse by non-local producers. This ensures that the authentic craftsmanship tied to the cultural identity of Majuli is maintained.
The tag also increases awareness about these art forms both nationally and globally, generating greater respect for Assam’s rich Vaishnavite tradition, initiated by Srimanta Sankardeva.
2. Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Generation:
The GI tag elevates the economic potential of artisans involved in the making of Majuli Masks and Manuscripts by distinguishing their products in the market. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has noted that GI-tagged products generally attract higher prices due to their exclusive geographical origin and authenticity. Artisans in Majuli can now access new markets, increase production, and command premium prices for their crafts, thus improving their income levels.
This recognition encourages young artisans to continue the traditional practices, as they see a viable economic future in them. It also opens avenues for tourism, where visitors seek to engage with local craft, further boosting local economies.
3. Protection of Intellectual Property:
With the GI tag, Majuli Masks and Manuscripts receive intellectual property rights protection, safeguarding the community’s collective cultural knowledge. This prevents unauthorized replication of these cultural products, ensuring that the financial and cultural benefits return to the rightful custodians—the local communities and Satra institutions of Majuli.
4. Support from Government and International Organizations:
Government initiatives such as One District One Product (ODOP) and Make in India offer financial aid and market linkages to GI-tagged products, which in turn strengthens the economic base for artisans. The Assam Handloom & Textiles Department and the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts have also supported local artisans in improving production quality, modernizing techniques, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
International organizations like UNESCO have stressed the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, and the GI tag aligns with this broader mission. It plays a role in preserving the living traditions of Majuli while promoting cultural exchange and appreciation on a global scale.
5. Challenges and Way Forward:
While the GI tag provides numerous benefits, access to markets, capacity building, and infrastructure development remain challenges. To maximize the potential of the GI tag, sustained government investment in marketing, export promotion, and artisan welfare programs is essential.
Committees such as the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce have highlighted the need for better awareness campaigns and legal frameworks to prevent the misuse of GI-tagged products, ensuring that benefits reach the grassroots level.
The GI tags for Majuli Masks and Majuli Manuscripts are vital for both the cultural preservation of Assam’s rich heritage and the economic empowerment of artisans. By safeguarding the authenticity and uniqueness of these crafts, the GI tag helps protect the identity and traditions of Majuli while providing artisans with better economic opportunities and a stronger foothold in the global market.