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G.I. Product – Traditional Real Zari

Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property protection that recognizes the unique qualities, reputation, and characteristics of products originating from a specific geographical area. It serves to protect traditional knowledge, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure that consumers can trust the authenticity of products associated with a particular region.

The Geographical Indication for zari preserves the tradition, genuineness, and quality of the real zari. It honors the craftsmanship and cultural heritage involved in zari manufacturing.

History:

Evidence available in the ancient literature of India, e.g., Ramayana, Mahabharata, Rigveda, etc., indicates that the art of zari making was prevalent in this country since ancient times. A reference to gold cloth is also found in the literature of Megasthenes, who visited India in the third century B.C.

In Gujarat, the zari industry of Surat has enjoyed an important place and dates back several hundred years. During the Mughal regime, zari, being an article of wear and ornamentation for the Muslim population of Near and Middle East countries, was exported from Surat to countries like Italy, Germany, Turkey, Egypt, France, Afghanistan, in sizeable quantities. Zari goods comprise gold and silver thread called kasab, stars, spangles, chalak, salma, border, lace, etc., which are extensively used in zardozi work and in weaving gold and silver brocade. As valuable raw materials like gold, silver, silk, cotton, are used in making zari, the products are naturally costly.

As Surat city was an important port on the west coast of India, and zari being an article of ornamentation, the Haj pilgrims sailing for Haj from the Surat port used to spend lavishly on the purchase of beautiful products made from zari.

Surat Zari Craft Logo with G.I No. 171 Certifies that:

This product is traditional real zari, and all types of traditional real zari products are made from gold, silver, silk or cotton yarn.

Real zari can be used in textiles, handlooms & powerlooms, silk and cotton sarees, crepe sarees, bandhani, dupattas, fancy dress materials, dhotis, handkerchiefs, etc. Cotton based real zari is also used in embroidery and crafts.

Traditional Real Zardozi Zari: Zardozi zari materials like Lachka, Thappa, Gokharu, Salma (Kora), Chumki, Nakshi (Chalak), Sadi (Dabka), Gizai (Kangri), Sitara (Tiki), Gota, Badla (Mukesh -Kamdani), Tilla, Silver Kasab, Silver Tar (wire), etc., are made from silver wire and gilded with pure gold. These materials can be used in Zardozi handwork fashion accessories like purses, footwear, belts, etc.

Note: The Surat Jari Manufacturers Association is the authorized proprietor of Surat Zari Craft Logo [G.I.No. 171]. Our members are authorized users under Part-B and registered manufacturers of traditional zari for Surat only. Registered members are exclusively permitted to use the Surat Zari Craft Logo.

The Surat Zari Craft Logo is a recognized benchmark for consumers and also serves as an additional quality assurance tool for manufacturers of sarees, dhoti, dress materials, mundu sets, zardozi work, crafts, etc.

Furthermore, to preserve the tradition and ensure the quality, the G.I logo for zari aims to acknowledge and protect the unique qualities and traditional methods associated with zari production in the designated area of Surat only.

Benefits of Geographical Indication for Zari:

Surat Zari Craft Logo certifies that:

  • Preserving Craftsmanship: G.I ensures the continuation of traditional weaving and embroidery techniques, enriching the cultural fabric of the region.
  • Quality Assurance: Zari with G.I adheres to rigorous quality standards, assuring consumers of authenticity and excellence.
  • Market Recognition: The G.I label elevates zari’s market value, attracting consumers seeking authentic and unique products.
  • Economic Development: G.I contributes to economic development by promoting local industries, creating jobs, and fostering investment.
  • Legal Safeguards: G.I protects against imitation and misuse, allowing only genuine products from the designated region to bear the coveted label.