The Arunachal Pradesh dao (sword), a traditional hand-forged blade made by tribal blacksmith communities, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Key Highlights

  • The GI recognition acknowledges the cultural, historical, and economic importance of Arunachal’s blacksmithing traditions.
  • Deputy Chief Minister stated that the dao embodies tribal identity, heritage, and craftsmanship refined over generations.
  • The dao is completely handmade, using traditional forging techniques passed down through ancestral guilds of artisans.
  • GI status will:
    • Ensure authenticity and protection from imitation.
    • Improve market access, branding, and premium pricing.
    • Enhance opportunities for training, livelihood generation, and enterprise development.

About the Arunachal Pradesh Dao

  • A multifunctional blade used for agriculture, daily utility, and traditional ceremonies.
  • Represents the courage and cultural endurance of the state’s tribal communities.
  • Produced mainly by skilled blacksmith clusters across the state.

GI Landscape in Arunachal Pradesh

  • Arunachal has emerged as a major contributor of GI-tagged items in the Northeast.
  • Existing notable GI products include:
  • Arunachal Orange, Idu Mishmi Textiles, Arunachal Pradesh Khaw Tai” (Khamti Rice), Yak Churpi, Tangsa Textile Product, Arunachal Pradesh Handmade Carpet, Wancho Wooden Craft, Adi Kekir (Ginger), Apatani Textile, Monpa Textile, Nyishi Textile, Monpa Handmade Paper, Adi Textile, Singpho Phalap (Singpho Tea), Galo Textile, Adi Apong, Angnyat Millet, Marua Apo (Marua Millet Beverage), Tai Khamti Textile: Handicraft, Mishing Handloom Products.
  • The state presently has 20 GI-certified items, with a target of 50 recognised items by 2030.
What is Geographical Indication (GI)?

• A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

• The qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin.

• Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.

• GI is also covered as an element of IPRs (Intellectual Property Rights) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) which is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

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