GI tag for Nachiarkoil lamps, Pattamadi mat

          Traditional brass lamps from Nachiarkoil in Thanjavur district, silky ‘Pattamadai pai’ mats from Tirunelveli and Chettinad Kottans (baskets) from Kanadukatthan are the new products that have obtained the geographical indication (GI) tag. Under the provisions of Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, the GI granted registration to Pattamadai Pai, Nachiarkoil lamps, and Chettinad Kottans after the applications matured.

Now, 23 products, including Madurai Malli, Madurai Sungudi, Kanchipuram silk, Salem Venpattu, Thanjavur Veenai from Tamil Nadu, got the GI tag.

The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, had filed applications for the registration of Pattamadai mats’ and ‘Nachiarkoil brass lamps.’

The traditional Nachiarkoil brass lamps are known as Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku. The production of the ornamental lamp is mainly done by local artisans who have domicile in and around Nachiarkoil, a town in Kumbakonam taluk. The craftsmanship is not found anywhere else. The lamps made for temples are artistically used in South India. The lamp usually consists of four parts—base (Keezhbagam), stem (kandam), oil container (Thanguli) and the apex or Prabhai. The Thanguli or oil container consists of V-shaped spouts to hold the wicks. These four parts are joined together with the help of screw threads. The lamps are suspended from the ceiling and richly decorated and always excellent in workmanship and design.

Pattamadai pai (mat) weaving is done by Labbai Muslim weavers with korai grass grown on the banks of river Tamiraparani in Pattamadai, a small village in Tirunelveli district. The fully grown, korai grass is cut and soaked in the running water of river and split into fine strands. These strands are woven into fine mats, which is result of centuries of experience and expertise. So supple and lustrous is the mat that it seems to be made of silk threads. A hand-woven superfine silk mat was even sent to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her coronation in June 1953.

Apart from these two products, the traditional palm leaf baskets known as ‘Chettinad Kottans’ was granted registration following an application filed by Revive Kottan (Palm Leafs Knitting) Society. Originally, palm leaf baskets were woven in the Chettinad region by women of the Chettiar community as a hobby. Chettinad Kottan has been noted for its unique style and colours. It is used as a gift during festivals.