On Saturday, the lac bangles of Hyderabad were officially registered with the Registrar of Geographical Indications in Chennai, marking the second such recognition for a Hyderabad product after haleem.
Lac bangles are the 17th product to be awarded this coveted classification; the Union government's recognition of Telangana's distinguished products is expanding.
The proposal, which was submitted in June 2022 by the Crescent Handicrafts Artisans Welfare Association (CHAWA), was approved with support from the state government's Industry and Commerce department, after just eighteen months with GI number 917.
According to Mohammad Hisamuddin, the president of CHAWA, the GI tag acts as a driving force to maintain rigorous quality standards and encourage creative design innovation, particularly for brides and young girls, within the 6,000+ artisan families. He expressed immense pride in this achievement, emphasizing that along with recognition comes a significant responsibility.
Hisamuddin, who has been in the craft for over 30 years now, said, “Our lac bangles are known for their intricate patterns. The way the artisans etch out the designs from crystals is remarkable, and the palettes and designs keep evolving over time.”
He added, “This is a good development and it will boost our industry. Currently 4,000-odd families live on this as a source of income. Now that will expand due to the label of identity.”
Subhajit Saha, the GI agent representing the applicant, mentioned that they have developed a distinctive logo to link the craft with customers and establish a meaningful connection.
“We hope that the GI recognition brings in more curiosity among buyers and spur the demand and sales of the bangles in the market, which, in turn will help the artisans get a higher return for their hard work,” he added.
The households will have a register themselves as authorised users and that will give them the uniqueness,” said Subhajit Saha, GI agent and Head Legal & IPR Resolute group who steered the application no 917 of Creascent Handicraft Artisans Welfare Association. The application was filed in June 2022.
“With the GI tag comes immense responsibility on the part of the artisans to maintain the quality of the bangles. It will spur up demand as the GI tag is a good USP for good sales,” said Mr Saha.
Laad Bazaar's Lac Bangles
Crafted from lacquer derived from resin, lac bangles undergo a meticulous process, including melting in furnaces and embellishment with crystals, beads, or mirrors. These bangles from Laad Bazaar have a special position in Hyderabad's cultural history; they date back to the time of the Qutb Shahis and the Nizams. For over 500 years, bangle creation has been a beloved practice that has been preserved and evolved by skilled artisans over several generations.
Hyderabad Lac Bangles is one of the most popular things among tourists and brides across the country. The brand’s legacy continues to this day, and with the recent introduction of the GI tag, the businesses and households in Laad Bazaar are full of excitement, knowing that they can now charge a premium for their products. Not only does the GI tag provide identity and provenance, but it also gives them a competitive edge over the Lac Bangles from Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh.
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