Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft, Got GI tag: A Special Craft from Jammu and Kashmir
Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft, also known as Chikri woodcraft, is a traditional way of making beautiful things from wood. The wood comes from a tree called Chikri, which grows in the hills of Rajouri district in Jammu. Chikri wood is pale, honey-colored, and fine-grained, which makes it perfect for creating delicate and detailed designs. With this wood, people craft items like furniture, boxes, trays, bowls, spoons, ladles, and decorative stuff.
This craft has a long history and is really important in the region. It started during the time of the Mughal rulers when artisans were inspired by woodcarving styles from Persia and Central Asia. Local leaders and important folks loved these Chikri woodcraft items and used them personally or as gifts. The craft also reflects the different religions in the region, as it includes symbols from Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
Making Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft is a skillful and hard-working process. Craftsmen use tools like chisels, knives, hammers, saws, and drills to carve and shape the wood. They also use natural colors and dyes to make the wood look beautiful and last longer. Often, families or groups of artisans work together, passing their knowledge and skills down to younger generations.
Recently, Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft got something called a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This tag shows that these special woodcraft items come from a particular place and have a unique quality. It protects the craft from being copied and makes it more valuable and famous in the market. This tag was given after a long legal process that started in December 2020 and involved organizations like NABARD, the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, and the Department of Agriculture.
This tag is expected to help the farmers and artisans who make Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft by increasing their income and keeping the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir alive. More people from around the country and the world might want to buy these special items, which can be good for business. Plus, it will encourage more people to learn and keep doing this craft, even though there are some challenges like not having enough materials, facing modern competition, and not enough people knowing about it.
Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft is really unique and represents the rich culture of Jammu and Kashmir. It's a result of centuries of tradition, creativity, and excellence. It's something the people of Rajouri district are proud of and want to protect for future generations. It's a treasure worth celebrating and preserving.
Some Important Points about Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft:
Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft in Jammu and Kashmir got the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in August 2023.
This achievement was possible because of a joint effort by NABARD, the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, and the Department of Agriculture. Their work on this started back in December 2020.
The GI Tag is like a special mark that shows how unique and special this craft is. It tells people that it comes from a particular place and has some exceptional qualities.
Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft is a traditional craft of carving and detailing wood from a tree called Chikri.
Chikri trees grow in the hill ranges of Rajouri district in Jammu province.
Chikri wood is pale, honey-colored, and fine-grained, making it great for crafting intricate designs.
Items made with Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft include furniture, boxes, trays, bowls, spoons, ladles, and decorative pieces.
This craft has a long history, dating back to the Mughal era.
It was influenced by Persian and Central Asian styles of wood carving.
Local rulers and nobles liked these items and used them personally or as gifts.
The craft reflects religious diversity, incorporating motifs and symbols from Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
Recently, Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
The GI tag identifies the craft as originating from a specific region with unique quality and reputation.
It helps protect the craft from being copied and promotes its value.
The GI tag was granted after a legal process led by NABARD, the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, and the Department of Agriculture in December 2020.
The GI tag is expected to benefit farmers and artisans by increasing income and livelihood.
It also helps preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Demand and exports of Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft items are likely to increase due to the GI tag.
The tag may encourage more people to learn and practice this craft, despite challenges like limited raw materials, modernization, competition, and low awareness.
