1. Majuli’s indigenous crafts, including Mask Making and Manuscript Writing, have earned Geographical Indication (GI) tags, marking a significant recognition of the island’s cultural heritage.
2. As the largest river island in India, Majuli has been a custodian of Assam’s cultural traditions, preserving practices like Mask Making and Manuscript Writing for generations.
3. The grant of GI tags underscores the unique identity and significance of Majuli’s cultural heritage, bringing well-deserved attention to its artistic traditions.
Guwahati, March 04: The cultural heritage of Majuli, the largest river island in India situated on the upper Brahmaputra, has received long-overdue recognition with the grant of Geographical Indication (GI) tags for its indigenous crafts of Mask Making and Manuscript Writing.
Majuli has been a cradle of Assam’s rich cultural traditions, with practices like Mask Making and Manuscript Writing deeply rooted in its history.
These crafts, passed down through generations, hold significant cultural and historical value for the region.
Majuli’s Mukha Shilpa traces its origins to Srimanta Sankardev, who used arts as medium for Bhakti.
My gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for granting the GI tag to the region’s mask & manuscript paintings.This will protect the rich skills of our artists. pic.twitter.com/zoZbH0NoIy
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 4, 2024
The GI tags bestowed by the Government of India serve as a mark of authenticity and uniqueness, ensuring the preservation and promotion of Majuli’s cultural heritage.
With these tags, Mask Making and Manuscript Writing from Majuli gained official recognition for their distinctiveness and connection to the island’s geographical origin.
Mask Making, a traditional art form, continues to thrive in Majuli, particularly during the Raas Mahotsav, where artists don intricately crafted masks to depict characters from Krishna Lila.
These masks not only serve as artistic expressions but also play a vital role in preserving and celebrating local folklore and mythology.
Similarly, Manuscript Writing, another age-old practice prevalent in Majuli, involves the meticulous transcription of religious texts, folklore, and historical narratives onto palm leaves or paper.
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This craft not only showcases the skill and craftsmanship of local artisans but also serves as a repository of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
The grant of GI tags for Mask Making and Manuscript Writing is a testament to the unique identity and cultural significance of these crafts originating from Majuli.
It underscores the efforts to safeguard and promote indigenous cultural practices in the face of modernization and globalization.
Furthermore, the recognition of Majuli’s cultural heritage through GI tags opens up opportunities for economic empowerment and sustainable development for local artisans and communities.
It enhances the visibility of Majuli’s crafts in domestic and international markets, leading to increased demand and appreciation for these traditional art forms.
Overall, the GI tags for Mask Making and Manuscript Writing from Majuli mark a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of Assam’s cultural legacy.
They not only celebrate the island’s vibrant cultural heritage but also ensure its continued vitality and relevance in the contemporary world.
