Mandar: Jharkhand's Tribal Drum Gets GI Tag

The traditional musical instrument Mandar of Jharkhand has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.
The recognition acknowledges its unique geographical, cultural and traditional identity.

Mandar is a traditional percussion instrument deeply associated with Jharkhand's tribal culture.
It is integral to folk performances, community gatherings and celebrations of the state's tribal communities.

Traditional craftsmanship handed down through generations of artisan communities.
Use of locally sourced red soil in its construction.
Indigenous manufacturing techniques unique to the region.
Unique sound quality that differentiates it from other drums.
Unlike instruments such as the dhol or dholak, one side of the Mandar is made entirely from soil, which contributes to its distinctive sound and design.

Provides legal protection against imitation and unauthorised commercial use.
Gives a distinct identity to traditional Mandar artisans.
Helps expand market opportunities for the instrument nationally and internationally.
Promotes Jharkhand's cultural products and supports tribal livelihoods and rural artisan economies.

A GI is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation or characteristics attributable to that origin.
Legal framework: The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in September 2003.
Administration: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry; the GI Registry is located in Chennai.
International context: India, as a WTO member, is obligated to protect GIs under the TRIPS Agreement (Articles 22–24); the Paris Convention also recognises protection of indications of source.
Validity: Initial registration is for 10 years, renewable indefinitely thereafter.
Nature of right: GI is a community right — registered in the name of an association of persons/producers or an organisation representing them; it cannot be assigned or transferred to producers outside the designated region.
Coverage: Extends to agricultural, natural and manufactured goods.
First Indian GI: Darjeeling Tea (2004-05).

Sohrai-Khovar painting — the state's first GI-tagged product, a traditional art form of the Hazaribagh region.
Koderma's Kesariya Kalakand — a famous milk-based sweet delicacy.
Mandar — the traditional percussion instrument (latest addition).

Strengthens the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and tribal art forms.
Complements initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP) and tribal welfare programmes by branding and monetising local crafts.
Enhances export potential and premium pricing for indigenous cultural goods, contributing to inclusive growth.