Geographical indications to traditional silks of India Savithri G.*, Sujathamma P.** *Department of Sericulture, S.P. Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Women's University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India **Department of Sericulture, S.P. Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Women's University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. Abstract The concept of globalization that flounced the globe in recent years, thrown open new avenues of marketing and turned our planet into a small village on one hand, posed several challenges, on the other. Among them, intellectual piracy is prominent one. One may recall the long, long struggle India had to make in proving the origin of Basmati rice and Turmeric, in the absence of published documentation to prove their historic and geographical belongingness. Since then, there has been increased awareness about the need to protect our products of uniqueness. Geographical indication (GI) provide better legal protection to any exclusive product produced in a specified place, intends to highlight its brand identity and preserve its historic, cultural and traditional importance and heritage. India has a number of distinct silk weaving clusters that are known for unique designs, weaves, colours, patterns, traditional knowledge (TK) and processes that are specific to a geographical region, and are guarded from centuries. Over the period, these products have become a brand by themselves, and recognized by their place of origin. Muga silks of Assam, Mysore silks of Mysore (Karnataka), Kanchipuram silks of Kanchi (Tamil Nadu), Brocades of Banaras (Uttar Pradesh), pochampalli saris, Gadwal silks (Andhra Pradesh) are just to cite a few. The economic security of Indians lies in identifying their rightful geographic indications, and in remaining vigilant against potential abuses of these rights by competitors. Top Keywords Traditional Indian Silks, Geographical Indications, globalization. Top |