State Seeks GI for Khara Dupatta Tradition
The GI tag initiative, which was introduced on September 13, 2003, seeks to bring local products under a national identity and improve international visibility and incomes for farmers and artisans.
Hyderabad:The government will seek a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Hyderabad’s traditional women’s attire, Khara Dupatta, on Wednesday, along with Medak Gogadi, and Tandur limestone used for flooring.
Explaining the Khara Dupatta tradition, Owais Abdul Hafeez of Karishma, designers of bridal wear in the city, said, “This is the royal bridal attire, which used to be worn by the erstwhile rulers of Hyderabad. They passed on this style through generations.”
The GI tag initiative, which was introduced on September 13, 2003, seeks to bring local products under a national identity and improve international visibility and incomes for farmers and artisans. Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to receive GI recognition, while Pochampally Ikat was the first from Telangana.
Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, Mulugu, had filed a GI application for Balanagar custard apple. An inspection was conducted in 2025.
Horticultural university vice-chancellor Dr D. Raji Reddy said, “The GI Registry, Chennai, has raised some queries and undertakings from farmers associations and facilitating bodies. We will submit them shortly and hope that GI will be granted to Balanagar custard apple. This project is funded by Telangana NABARD, Regional office.”
Subhajit Saha, known as the GI Man of Telangana, said GI represented the tradition and heritage associated with people, places and products. He said each GI needed a story, branding and innovation to improve quality, and that the next phase would focus more on productisation and packaging solutions.
He added, “Around 2,164 GI applications were filed and 823 were registered. It’s now time for bringing in value with premium for these products in domestic and International markets.”
Telangana currently has 18 GI-registered products, while more than 15 applications have been filed. Registered products include Hyderabad Lac Bangles, Hyderabad Haleem, Warangal Chapata Chilli, Tandur Red Gram, Telangana Banganapalle Mango, Nirmal paintings, toys and furniture, Silver Filigree of Karimnagar, Cheriyal paintings, Pochampally Ikat, Adilabad Dokra, Siddipet Gollabhama, Gadwal Sarees, Narayanpet Sarees, Pembarthi Metal Craft and Warangal Durries.
Products for which applications have been filed but recognition is awaited include Hyderabad pearls, Nalgonda tribal jewellery, Nalgonda Banjara needlework, Narayanpet 24K gold, Kothakota mutton, Siddipet Bathik paintings, Sajjapur Chamadumpa, Balanagar custard apple, Naikpod masks, Jagtial sesame, Nalgonda Nimma, Nalgonda Dosakai, Mahadevpur Tassar silk products, Armur turmeric, Kolhapur Benisan mango and Warangal Rangasaipet brassware.