India: Madurkathi of West Bengal Gets a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Source: www.ipindia.nic.in

Madurkathi are mats woven from a locally available soft reed called “Madur kottir”. Madur is the Bengali vernacular for floor mats. Mats are an integral part of Bengal's lifestyle. Madur is a tradition and pride of Medinipur district of West Bengal. Usually, women of the households are involved in weaving this beautiful craft. With change in the requirement of the market, the mats are now also used for making decorative and utilitarian items. Madurkathi is locally available and is found abundantly in the alluvial tracts of East and West Medinipur districts of West Bengal.

On March 28, 2018, the Government of West Bengal, was granted Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for ‘Madurkathi’ vide registration no. 567 in respect of handicrafts. The application of registration of Madurkathi was filed by The West Bengal Khadi & Village Industry Board, Government of West Bengal. Madurkathi mats are popular and beneficial for the sitting as well as bedding purposes. The non-conducting property and ability to absorb sweat makes the mat a necessity household item in the hot and humid climate of West Bengal. These mats are also used for religious purposes.

The Government of West Bengal has previously secured registrations for handicrafts products. Details thereof are as under:

Registration No.	Geographical Indications
52	Nakshi Kantha
104	Santiniketan Leather Goods
138	Santipore Saree
173	Baluchari Saree
176	Dhaniakhali Saree
453	Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft
563	Bengal Dokra
564	Bengal Patachitra
565	Purulia Chau Mask
566	Wooden Mask of Kushmandi