Geographical Indication as Catalyst of Heritage Preservation and Expand Rural Economy in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, often called the “Land of Diversity,” is home to an extraordinary range of tribal traditions, food items, crafts, and agricultural products, many of which possess unique qualities suitable for Geographical Indication (GI) recognition. Despite this cultural richness, the state has secured very few GI registrations compared to other regions of India. This paper explores the reasons behind such limited recognition and identifies products with strong GI potential. It highlights food items such as Chaprah chutney, Bastar Salfi drink, Mahuwa-based preparations, and traditional sweets, alongside heritage crafts like Bastar Dhokra and Kosa silk, emphasizing their cultural, ecological, and economic significance. The analysis identifies key challenges, including a lack of awareness among producers, weak institutional frameworks, poor market exposure, bureaucratic hurdles, and neglect of oral tribal knowledge systems. These factors collectively hinder systematic documentation and protection of Chhattisgarh’s indigenous products. The paper argues that policy prioritization, cooperative models, and structured awareness campaigns can transform these cultural assets into economic empowerment and global recognition sources. By bridging the gap between tradition and intellectual property rights, Chhattisgarh can significantly contribute to India’s GI portfolio while safeguarding its diverse heritage for future generations.