About Narsapur lace Craft:
- Narsapur is situated on the bank of Godavari River in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
- It is believed that the women of the farming community of this region started creating highly attractive artefacts from colourful lace, about 150 years ago.
- The craft has survived the Indian famine (1899) and the Great Depression (1929). By the early 1900s, above 2,000 women were involved in the craft in the Godavari region.
- The lace work is done using thin threads and these are again woven with thin crochet needles of varying sizes.
- Narsapur's famed hand-made crochet industry produces doilies, pillow covers, cushion covers, bed spreads, table-runners and tablecloths etc.
- Many of these products are exported to markets in the USA, UK and France.
What is a GI Tag?
- Geographical Indications (GI tags) are signs used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess distinctive qualities, reputation or characteristics attributable to that place of origin.
- GI tags serve as intellectual property rights that identify a product's unique geographical source, providing legal protection and preventing unauthorised use.
- In India, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999 governs the registration and protection of GIs.
- These tags play a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the unique products and traditional knowledge of various regions.
