GI tag to add grandeur to Mamallapuram sculptures

Efforts are afoot to get the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the stone sculptures made in Mamallapuram and wooden sculptures of Thammampatti, the State Assembly was told on Monday.

Announcing new initiatives for 2013-14, Rural Industries Minister P Mohan said efforts were on by the State-owned Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (Poompuhar) to get the GI tag for the renowned stone and wooden sculptures made in Mamallapuram and Thammampatti.

Also, during the current fiscal year, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has ordered to take steps to get GI for Nagercoil Temple Car, Kallakurichi Wooden sculpture, Arumbavur wooden sculpture (in Tiruchy district), Karuppur painting (in Thanjavur district), Thanjavur glass workmanship, Pudukottai Netti work, Mayiladi stone sculpture (in Kanyakumari district) and Namakkal Makkal products.

Already, many reputed handicrafts of Tamil Nadu, including the Swamimalai Panchaloha idols, Vadacheri temple jewellery, Thanjavur paintings, Thanjavur art plates and dolls have GI tags. The Mamallapuram and Mayiladi stone sculptures are renowned world over for their master craftsmanship.

A GI mark signifies the origin of a particular product with a special quality or reputation from a definite geographical territory. According to the Geographical Indications Registry, GI confers legal protection to Geographical Indications in India. It also helps increase exports and supports producers of products.

Meanwhile, it was decided that Poompuhar will hold a theme-based expo in Malaysia on the lines of the one being held in Singapore since 2008.

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