GI Tags Of Karnataka

BySumit Singh

Karnataka, the cultural and technological heartland of South India, is blessed with diverse agro-climatic zones, from the misty hills of Coorg and Malnad to the plains of Mysore and North Karnataka. The state has one of the most impressive and earliest Geographical Indication (GI) portfolios in India, with registrations beginning as far back as 2004. These GI tags celebrate Karnataka’s agricultural excellence, fragrant flowers, unique fruits and spices, world-renowned silk, and exquisite handicrafts rooted in centuries-old traditions.

These registrations protect the authenticity of products linked to specific regions, empower farmers and artisans (including many women), boost exports, preserve traditional knowledge, and promote tourism. Karnataka now proudly holds over 45 GI tags, making it one of the leading states in India’s GI ecosystem.

Here is a detailed overview of the GI-tagged products from Karnataka:

Agricultural Products

  1. Coorg Orange (Application No. 33)
    Registered: 31.03.2005 (Agricultural)
    Also known as Coorg Mandarin, this juicy, orange-red fruit is grown in the Kodagu (Coorg) region. It is prized for its unique flavour, high juice content, thin peel, and distinctive aroma, thanks to the region’s high altitude and cool climate.
  2. Mysore Betel Leaf (Application No. 34)
    Registered: 31.03.2005 (Agricultural)
    A premium variety of betel leaf (Piper betle) from Mysore, known for its mild flavour, pleasant aroma, and medicinal properties. It holds cultural importance in rituals and social customs.
  3. Nanjanagud Banana (Application No. 35)
    Registered: 31.03.2005 (Agricultural)
    The famous “Nanjanagud Rasabale” from Nanjanagud (Mysore district) is celebrated for its sweet taste, unique aroma, soft texture, and long shelf life.
  4. Mysore Malligae, Udupi Malligae & Hadagali Malligae (Application Nos. 69, 70, 71)
    Registered: 24.07.2006 (Agricultural)
    Three distinct jasmine flower varieties grown in Mysore, Udupi, and Hadagali respectively. Known for their intense fragrance, long-lasting bloom, and use in garlands, perfumes, and religious offerings.
  5. Coorg Green Cardamom (Application No. 78)
    Registered: 27.12.2006 (Agricultural)
    One of the finest cardamom varieties in the world, grown in Coorg. It is valued for its bold size, intense aroma, and superior oil content.
  6. Byadagi Chilli (Application No. 129)
    Registered: 01.08.2008 (Agricultural)
    Famous for its deep red colour (high ASTA value), low pungency, and rich flavour. Grown in Byadagi (Haveri district), it is widely used in masala preparation and spice extraction.
  7. Devanahalli Pomello (Application No. 131)
    Registered: 04.09.2008 (Agricultural)
    A large, sweet, and juicy citrus fruit (pummelo) from Devanahalli near Bengaluru, known for its mild flavour and thick rind.
  8. Appemidi Mango (Application No. 132)
    Registered: 04.09.2008 (Agricultural)
    A unique pickle mango variety from the Malnad region, valued for its special aroma and sourness ideal for traditional mango pickles.
  9. Kamalapur Red Banana (Application No. 133)
    Registered: 04.09.2008 (Agricultural)
    Bright red-skinned banana from Kamalapur (Kalaburagi district) with sweet, aromatic pulp.
  10. Udupi Mattu Gulla Brinjal (Application No. 199)
    Registered: 03.03.2010 (Agricultural)
    A distinctive green-striped brinjal variety from Mattu village in Udupi, known for its taste and use in traditional dishes.
  11. Bangalore Blue Grapes & Bangalore Rose Onion (Application Nos. 211, 212)
    Registered: 29.07.2010 & 30.07.2010 (Agricultural)
    Bangalore Blue Grapes are table grapes with a distinctive muscat flavour; Bangalore Rose Onion (small, pink onions) is prized for its pungency and culinary use.
  12. Sirsi Supari (Application No. 464)
    Registered: 10.12.2013 (Agricultural)
    High-quality areca nut (betel nut) from Sirsi in Uttara Kannada, known for its superior taste and size.
  13. Gulbarga Tur Dal (Application No. 593)
    Registered: 26.09.2017 (Agricultural)
    Premium red gram (pigeon pea) from Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), valued for its cooking quality and protein content.
  14. Coorg Arabica Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee & Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee (Application Nos. 604, 606, 608)
    Registered: 01.01.2018 (Agricultural)
    Three distinct GI-tagged Arabica coffee varieties from Karnataka’s renowned coffee-growing regions, celebrated for their unique flavour profiles, acidity, and aroma.
  15. Indi Limbe & Kari Ishad Mango (Application Nos. 745, 843)
    Registered: 26.03.2021 & 02.03.2022 (Agricultural)
    Special lime and mango varieties that add to Karnataka’s rich fruit diversity.

Food Stuff

  1. Dharwad Pedha (Application No. 80)
    Registered: 24.01.2007 (Food Stuff)
    The iconic milk-based sweet from Dharwad, known for its unique grainy texture, rich flavour, and long shelf life. A must-have souvenir from North Karnataka.

Handicrafts

  1. Mysore Silk (Application No. 11; Logo No. 532)
    Registered: 22.07.2004 & 26.08.2015 (Handicraft)
    Pure silk sarees and fabrics from Mysore, famous for their lustre, rich colours, and intricate zari borders. Patronised by the Wodeyar kings.
  2. Bidriware (Application No. 20)
    Registered: 24.01.2005 (Handicraft)
    Exquisite black-metal handicrafts with silver inlay work from Bidar, a craft dating back to the 14th century.
  3. Channapatna Toys and Dolls (Application No. 23)
    Registered: 07.02.2005 (Handicraft)
    Iconic wooden toys and dolls from Channapatna, made with natural vegetable dyes and lacquer finish. Often called the “Toy Town of India.”
  4. Mysore Rosewood Inlay (Application No. 24)
    Registered: 07.02.2005 (Handicraft)
    Intricate inlay work on rosewood using ivory, metal, and other materials to create furniture and decorative pieces.
  5. Kasuti Embroidery (Application No. 31)
    Registered: 31.03.2005 (Handicraft)
    Traditional counted-thread embroidery of Karnataka, featuring intricate motifs on sarees and garments.
  6. Mysore Traditional Paintings (Application No. 32)
    Registered: 31.03.2005 (Handicraft)
    Classical Mysore-style paintings depicting mythological themes with rich colours and gold leaf work.
  7. Ganjifa Cards of Mysore (Application No. 60; Logo No. 511)
    Registered: 26.07.2006 & 08.01.2015 (Handicraft)
    Hand-painted playing cards used in traditional games, featuring intricate artwork.
  8. Navalgund Durries (Application No. 61; Logo No. 512)
    Registered: 26.07.2006 & 08.01.2015 (Handicraft)
    Reversible floor rugs with geometric patterns woven in Navalgund.
  9. Karnataka Bronzeware (Application No. 62; Logo No. 510)
    Registered: 26.07.2006 & 08.01.2015 (Handicraft)
    Traditional bronze utensils and idols made using the lost-wax technique.
  10. Ilkal Sarees & Molakalmuru Sarees (Application Nos. 76, 77)
    Registered: 16.10.2006 (Handicraft)
    Traditional handloom sarees with distinctive borders from Ilkal and Molakalmuru.
  11. Sandur Lambani Embroidery (Application No. 134)
    Registered: 09.09.2008 (Handicraft)
    Vibrant mirror-work and patchwork embroidery by the Lambani tribal community.
  12. Guledgudd Khana, Kinhal Toys, Udupi Sarees & Patteda Anchu Saree (Various Nos.)
    Registered: Between 2010 and 2022 (Handicraft)
    These include traditional weaves, wooden toys, and distinctive border sarees that further enrich Karnataka’s textile and craft heritage.

Manufactured

  1. Mysore Agarbathi (Application Nos. 13 & 18)
    Registered: 11.08.2004 & 25.11.2004 (Manufactured)
    World-famous incense sticks from Mysore, known for their natural fragrances and quality.
  2. Mysore Sandalwood Oil & Mysore Sandal Soap (Application Nos. 29 & 30)
    Registered: 18.03.2005 (Manufactured)
    Pure sandalwood oil and the iconic sandal soap produced using traditional methods. Mysore Sandal Soap is a globally recognised heritage product.

Karnataka’s GI registrations beautifully showcase the state’s incredible diversity, from the fragrance of Malligae jasmine and Coorg cardamom to the sweetness of Nanjanagud banana and Dharwad Pedha, the elegance of Mysore Silk, the playfulness of Channapatna Toys, and the artistry of Bidriware and Kasuti embroidery.

These tags provide legal protection, enhance market value and global recognition, support lakhs of farmers and artisans, preserve traditional knowledge and biodiversity, and strengthen Karnataka’s identity as a hub of quality produce and fine craftsmanship.

Whether you are savouring a Coorg Orange, draping a Mysore Silk saree, lighting a Mysore Agarbathi, or admiring Bidriware, these GI-tagged treasures represent the soul of Karnataka, a perfect blend of nature’s bounty and human creativity.Supporting these authentic GI products helps sustain rural livelihoods and keeps Karnataka’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage alive for future generations.

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