GI Tags Of Pondicherry

Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), a serene coastal Union Territory with a unique Franco-Indian heritage, boasts a rich tradition of handicrafts influenced by its colonial past and local artistry. Though it has fewer Geographical Indication (GI) tags compared to larger states, the two registered ones highlight exquisite traditional crafts from specific villages, preserving centuries-old techniques and cultural fusion.

These GI tags protect Puducherry’s distinctive handicraft products, both registered on the same date.

Handicraft Products

• Villianur Terracotta Works (Registered 22.03.2010)
  Terracotta (baked clay) artifacts from Villianur village, renowned for their intricate craftsmanship, detailed molding, and artistic expression. Artisans create a variety of items like figurines of deities (especially gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology), animals, lamps, toys, and decorative pieces using local clay, hand-modeling, and traditional firing methods. The works reflect South Indian temple art influences combined with local creativity, valued for their durability, fine detailing, and cultural significance, often used in homes, temples, and as souvenirs.
• Tirukanur Papier Mache Craft (Registered 22.03.2010)
  Also known as Thirukannur or Tirukanur Papier Mâché, this craft from Tirukanur village blends French colonial origins (introduced around 120 years ago during French rule) with indigenous techniques. Artisans prepare a paste from coarsely meshed paper pulp mixed with limestone powder, chalk powder, copper sulphate (or zinc sulphate), rice flour, and other binders. The mixture is molded into shapes, dried, and then painted with vibrant lacquered colors. Products include dolls, showpieces, wall hangings, religious figures (e.g., Nataraja-Parvathi sets), home decorations, and ceremonial items. A notable feature is color coding—figures for religious ceremonies often in orange or rose, while those depicting newlyweds use pink or orange tones, showcasing a fusion of Indo-French styles and excellent workmanship.

These two GI tags, both under the Handicraft category and facilitated by organizations like the Pondicherry Crafts Foundation, were granted in 2010–2011 to safeguard against imitation, empower local artisans, and promote cultural tourism in this small yet culturally vibrant territory. Puducherry’s limited but high-quality GI portfolio reflects its focus on heritage crafts rather than agricultural or food products.