Cuttack: The unique, fine silver filigree of Cuttack of Odisha, popularly known as Rupa Tarakasi has received GI tag on Saturday.
According to reports, the declaration was made by a handicraft wing of the Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Ltd, Chennai-based Geographical Indication Registry after considering the application of the UTKALIKA.
Reportedly, UTKALIKA had filed the application seeking GI tag for the famed Cuttack’s silver filigree on July 1, 2021. The application has traced the origin of these filigrees back in 13th century to show historical linkage of the art to the region.
Tarakashi or Silver Filigree work is one of the most exquisite silver craft originated from Cuttack.
In Silver Filigree work, silver bricks are transformed into this fine wires or fine foils, from jewellery, including those worn by kings, queens, Odissi dancers, or decorative artefacts used as accessories or home decors and as religious and cultural pieces are made.
Earlier, the Simlipal red ant chutney by the tribal people of the Mayurbhanj district gets the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Red Ant Chutney got the GI tag on January 2, 2024.
The red any chutney otherwise known as Kai Chutney is not restricted to Odisha, it is also available in Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh. It is also considered to be nutritious.
The chutney is being made by the tribals of Mayurbhanj area. They collect the red weaver ants , scientifically known as Oecophylla smaragdina from the sal trees in the Simlipal reserve. They generally hunt them at dawn as the ants are very aggressive and they bite, which hurt a lot.
After they are caught, they are crushed, washed and dried before getting cooked.
Ms Kalinga