The traditional musical instrument Mandar, deeply rooted in the folk culture and tribal life of Jharkhand, has received official recognition with a Geographical Indication tag.

 

The traditional folk instrument Mandar of Jharkhand has been accorded a GI tag, giving legal recognition to its distinctive geographical and cultural identity. The Geographical Indications Registry of the Government of India, based in Chennai, has granted the GI tag to ‘Mandar of Jharkhand’.

 

The application for the GI tag was filed on 24th September 2021. Its traditional craftsmanship, use of locally sourced red clay, indigenous manufacturing techniques and distinctive sound were cited as key features supporting the application.

 

The GI recognition is expected to give the products made by traditional Mandar artisans a distinct identity linked to Jharkhand and provide a stronger foundation for expanding their reach in domestic and international markets under an officially recognised GI status. ‘Mandar Samrat’ Manpuran Nayak described Mandar as an integral part of Jharkhand’s cultural heritage. He said that the GI recognition is a tribute to the ancestors and the soil of Jharkhand.