Context: The world-famous Basohli painting from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district has obtained the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag following an approval by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Key Points

• NABARD provides end-to-end support to facilitate pre-registration as well as post-registration activities for Geographical Indications. Realising the huge potential of handloom, handicrafts and agricultural products in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.

• The process for GI tagging of nine products of Jammu region products was initiated by NABARD in consultation with Department of Handicrafts and Handloom in December 2020, during the difficult times of COVID. The GI tags have now finally been granted to these products after a long legal process.

• Besides the Basohli paintings, Basohli pashmina woolen products (Kathua), Chikri wood craft (Rajouri), Bhaderwah rajma (Doda), Mushkbudji rice (Anantnag), Kaladi (Udhampur), Sulai honey (Ramban), Anardana (Ramban) and Ladakh wood carving (Ladakh) were the other products pitched for the GI-tagging.

• These products from Jammu and Kashmir have been included among 33 others, highest-ever in a single year, cleared for GI-tagging on March 31.

• Note: Basohli painting of Kathua is the first independent GI tagged product from Jammu region.

About Basholi paintings

• Basholi paintings originated in the Basholi region of Jammu and Kashmir.

• It is a reputed school of miniature paintings known for its vivid, evocative colours, bold lines, and deep-set facial patterns. 

• It is considered the first school of Pahari paintings

• Patronage: The Basholi painting style flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries under the patronage of local rulers and wealthy merchants.

Features of the Basholi painting

• It has peculiar characteristics, they have perfect geometrical patterns, bright colours and glossy enamel.

• Colours used: Ochre yellow, brown, and green grounds predominating.

• The figures in the paintings are shown clad in rich costumes, stylised faces and large bulging eyes lent unique individuality to these paintings.

• Themes: The portraits of local rulers, Radha-Krishna, and Madhava-Malati love themes and themes from the Bhagavata Purana.

• These are painted on paper, cloth, or wood using natural pigments and dyes.

What is a Geographical Indication Tag?

• A Geographical Indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

• Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.

• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.

• This GI tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.