A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a prestigious sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In India, the GI tag is a form of intellectual property right that helps protect the heritage and quality of unique regional products, from handicrafts and agricultural goods to food items. This 2026 guide provides a comprehensive look at some of the most famous GI-tagged products across various Indian states, highlighting the rich diversity of the nation’s craftsmanship and produce.
Quick Answer
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India is a label given to products that originate from a specific geographical location and have a unique quality or reputation due to that origin. Famous examples include Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal), Kanchipuram Silk Saree (Tamil Nadu), Alphonso Mango (Maharashtra), and Kashmiri Saffron (Jammu & Kashmir). This tag protects the product’s authenticity.
What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
The GI tag is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, in India. It serves several important purposes:
- Authenticity and Quality: It acts as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or has a particular reputation due to its geographical origin.
- Protection: It prevents unauthorized use of a registered geographical indication by others. This means no one outside the designated region can use the name for a similar product. For instance, only tea grown in the Darjeeling district can be called ‘Darjeeling Tea’.
- Economic Prosperity: It helps producers in a specific region to get a better price for their premium products and boosts exports by creating a distinct identity in the international market.
- Preservation of Heritage: By protecting traditional products, the GI tag helps preserve local culture, heritage, and biodiversity.
Famous GI-Tagged Products: A State-Wise List
India has hundreds of GI-tagged products. Here is a curated list of some of the most well-known ones, categorized by state, to showcase the country’s incredible diversity.
West Bengal
- Darjeeling Tea: The very first product to receive a GI tag in India. Known as the “Champagne of Teas,” it is famous for its unique muscatel flavour, which is attributed to the specific agro-climatic conditions of the Darjeeling hills.
- Joynagar Moa: A seasonal sweet delicacy made from popped rice, date palm jaggery, and ghee.
- Banglar Rasgulla: The Bengali version of the famous sweet, known for its spongy texture and sugary syrup.
Tamil Nadu
- Kanchipuram Silk Saree: Renowned for their vibrant colours, intricate zari work, and exceptional durability, these sarees are hand-woven in the Kanchipuram region and are an essential part of South Indian weddings.
- Madurai Malli: A variety of jasmine flower known for its potent and long-lasting fragrance.
- Dindigul Locks: Famous for their superior quality, durability, and craftsmanship.
- Thanjavur Paintings: A classical South Indian painting style, characterized by rich colours, gold foil work, and intricate details.
Jammu & Kashmir
- Kashmiri Saffron: Considered the best saffron in the world, it is known for its deep maroon colour, intense aroma, and bitter taste. It is cultivated in the Karewas (highlands) of Kashmir.
- Kashmir Pashmina: An incredibly fine and soft wool derived from the Changthangi goat of Ladakh. Authentic Pashmina shawls are known for their warmth and delicate texture.
- Kani Shawl: A luxurious shawl woven with small wooden sticks called ‘kanis’, creating intricate patterns.
Maharashtra
- Alphonso Mango: Specifically from the Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and other adjoining areas, the Alphonso (or Hapus) is known as the ‘King of Mangoes’ for its exceptional sweetness, rich flavour, and vibrant colour.
- Nashik Valley Wine: The Nashik region is known as the “Wine Capital of India,” and its wines have a unique character due to the local terroir.
- Paithani Saree and Fabrics: A variety of fine silk saree characterized by its peacock and flower motifs woven with golden threads.
Karnataka
- Mysore Silk: Known for its softness, lustre, and purity, the Mysore Silk saree is a registered trademark and a symbol of Karnataka’s royal heritage.
- Coorg Arabica Coffee: Grown in the hills of Kodagu (Coorg), this coffee is known for its full body, moderate acidity, and rich aroma.
- Channapatna Toys & Dolls: Traditional wooden toys known for their bright vegetable-dye colours and smooth finish.
Rajasthan
- Bikaneri Bhujia: A popular crispy snack made from moth bean flour and gram flour, originating from Bikaner.
- Kota Doria: A lightweight, translucent fabric woven with cotton and silk yarns in a unique square-check pattern.
- Blue Pottery of Jaipur: A traditional craft of Jaipur, known for its vibrant blue and white pottery made without using clay.
Table of Notable GI Tags Across India
Here’s a quick reference table for other famous GI tags from various states.
| State | Famous GI-Tagged Product(s) |
| Uttar Pradesh | Banarasi Saree, Allahabad Surkha Guava, Lucknow Chikan Craft |
| Andhra Pradesh | Tirupati Laddu, Banganapalle Mangoes, Etikoppaka Toys |
| Kerala | Alleppey Coir, Pokkali Rice, Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirror) |
| Gujarat | Gir Kesar Mango, Sankheda Furniture, Patan Patola |
| Odisha | Konark Stone Carving, Odisha Rasagola, Pattachitra (cloth-based scroll painting) |
| Assam | Muga Silk, Assam Tea, Tezpur Litchi |
| Bihar | Madhubani Paintings, Shahi Litchi, Magahi Paan (betel leaf) |
| Goa | Feni (a spirit produced from cashew or coconut), Khola Chilli |
| Himachal Pradesh | Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Chamba Rumal (handkerchief) |
This list is just a glimpse into the vast treasure trove of India’s protected geographical indications. It spans across the diverse geography of the country, from the highest mountain peaks where unique herbs might grow, to the coastal regions that produce distinct spices. The GI tag system plays a crucial role in ensuring that the legacy, authenticity, and economic value of these regional treasures are protected for generations to come. When you buy a GI-tagged product, you are not just purchasing an item; you are supporting a community and preserving a piece of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a GI tag?
The main purpose of a GI tag is to certify that a product originates from a specific geographical region and possesses a unique quality, reputation, or characteristic due to that origin. It protects the product’s name from misuse and ensures its authenticity for consumers.
Which was the first product to get a GI tag in India?
Darjeeling Tea was the very first product in India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The registration was granted in 2004. This set a precedent for protecting unique Indian products linked to their geographical origin.
Can any product get a GI tag?
No, not any product can get a GI tag. The product must have a specific geographical origin and a reputation or quality that is attributable to that origin. The application for a GI tag has to be supported by evidence of its uniqueness and historical link to the region.
How does a GI tag benefit producers?
A GI tag helps producers get a premium price for their authentic products in the market. It provides legal protection against imitation and unauthorized use of the product’s name, which boosts their income and competitiveness, especially in international markets.
How can a consumer identify a GI-tagged product?
Consumers can identify a GI-tagged product by looking for the official GI tag logo. The logo is a seal of authenticity that confirms the product has been registered under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, and meets the standards set for it.