Six years after receiving applications seeking Geographical Indications (GI) tags for Dindigul locks and Kandangi saree, the GI Registry has finally accepted them to process further. If GIs are issued, the two goods will join 28 items that include Kanjeervaram silk saree and Madurai malli (jasmine) from Tamil Nadu.

GI registration offers better legal protection to facilitate action for infringement. The registered proprietor and authorised users can also initiate infringement actions.

Locked in the past

The Dindigul Lock, Hardware and Steel Furniture Workers Industrial Cooperative Society Ltd filed the GI application for Dindigul locks in January 2013, while Amarar Rajeev Gandhi Handloom Weavers Cooperative Production and Sales Society Ltd for Kandangi saree in May 2013, according to a publication by the GI Registry.

“Our customers are trustful and thieves are fearful,” is the motto of the 100-year-old lock cottage industry in Dindigul that has its own unique craftsmanship distinct from other lock making hubs such as Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and Das Nagar in West Bengal.

There are over 50 varieties of locks such as Mango lock, Door lock, Almirah lock, Export lock and Excise lock made by artisans. Every single lock is designed with a unique style and a special name. The levers are designed in such a way that they have a greater degree of non-interchangeability of keys.

The Dindigul lock manufacturing is limited to an area of 5 km in and around Dindigul. There are nearly 3,125 units engaged in the manufacture of locks concentrated in Nagelnagar, Nallampatti, Kodaiparailpatti, Kamalapatti and Yagappanpatti. The abundance of iron in this region is one of the main reasons for the growth of lock-making industry. The industry provides employment to over 3,000 families in Dindigul, and on an average every day each artisan produces 3-4 locks, according to the registry.

The native drape

The Kandangi saree, a native of Karaikudi taluk in Sivaganga district, is recognised by its thick, coarse cotton material that can endure roughest washes and characteristic conventional checks and temple patterns for borders. The recurring pattern of checks or stripes is one the most significant marks of a typical Kandangi saree.

A Kandangi saree is hand-woven by traditionally-skilled Karaikudi weavers who take a full week to weave it, according to the registry.

Karaikudi is dry (owing to its tropical climate) and in contrast, the Kandangi saree exudes bright hues such as yellow, orange, red and a minimal black. The saree is characterised by the large contrast borders — covering as far as two-thirds of the saree, which is usually 5.10 to 5.60 m in length.

After the application is received by the GI registry, further processes comprising examination, objection, opportunity for hearing, acceptance, appeal to Intellectual Property Appellate Board, entry into GI Registry and finally culminates with the issuance of the Registration Certificate. This process is expected to take minimum of six months.

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