Context: Recently, Tamil Nadu's Karuppur kalamkari paintings and the Kallakurichi wood carvings received the geographical indication (GI) tags both of these art forms are traditional in nature.
Kalamkari paintings

• Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form of hand-painting or block-printing on cloth and derives its name from the word ‘kalam,’ which means pen or brush.
• Originating from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Kalamkari painting was first practiced to decorate temple chariots and backgrounds for the idols of Gods.
• While the paintings are intricately made on a cotton cloth using pens or brushes made out of bamboo tree and coconut tree stems.
• Traditionally, only three colours are used — black, red and yellow. But lately, ‘pale blue’ has also started being used.
• The artists take a twig and wind a cloth around it and then dip it in the dye, which they make themselves. First, they treat the cotton cloth (canvas) by dipping it in milk and other things.

Two distinctive styles of Kalamkari art in India

• Srikalahasti technique– the ‘kalam’ is used for the freehand drawing of stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Purana and other mythologies.
• Machilipatnam style– artists use carved wooden blocks and vegetable dyes to print patterns and motifs onto fabric, including wall hangings, clothing, bedsheets, curtains and saris.

Kallakurichi wood carvings

• These carvings are done for ornamentation and designs. These are native to the Madurai region.
• The wood carving is essentially one wherein the craftsmen are specialised in carving temple-related items and also furniture, using traditional designs.

About Geographical indication (GI)

• A geographical indication or GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Such a tag conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to the geographical origin of the product.
• The owner of the GI tag has exclusive rights over the product and can sue others for trying to duplicate the product.