Part of: Prelims and GS I – Culture and GS-III GI Tags
Context: Nagaswaram made in Narasinghapettai in Thanjavur district has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Key takeaways
Nagaswaram is made of ‘acha maram’, a tree known for its sturdy features.
The front portion — ‘anusu’ or enhancer — is made of ‘vaagai’ wood.
‘Seevali’, the reed, is made from a type of grass that grows on the banks of the Cauvery and the Kollidam.
It is a double reed wind instrument from South India .
It is used as a traditional classical instrument in Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
This instrument is “among the world’s loudest non-brass acoustic instruments”.
It is a wind instrument partially similar to the North Indian shehnai but much longer, with a hardwood body and a large flaring bell made of wood or metal.
In South Indian culture, it is considered to be very auspicious, and it is a key musical instrument played in almost all Hindu weddings and temples of the South Indian tradition.
What is GI tag?
It is an indication which is definite to a geographical territory.
It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods.
The goods need to be produced or processed or prepared in that region.
The product must have a special quality or reputation.
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 provides registration and also protection of GI goods in India.
The Geographical Indications Registry for India is located in Chennai.
A registered GI tag prohibits a third party to use such products.
GI is a collective intellectual property right and is thus owned by all the producers within the defined GI territory.
Patents and trademarks are owned by an individual or a business entity.
