In April 2025, Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Geographical Indications (GI) Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), officially granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Meghalaya’s indigenous textile, ‘Ryndia’ silk and Khasi handloom products.
- The achievement aligns with the vision of Meghalaya’s Chief Minister (CM) Conrad Kongkal Sangma and Textiles Minister Paul Lyngdoh to promote Meghalaya’s indigenous heritage and establish “Brand Meghalaya” globally.
- The GI recognition applies to Ryndia, a handwoven, hand-spun, naturally dyed, organically produced, and ethically sourced fabric – along with other Meghalaya handloom products.
Background:
The Meghalaya Department of Textiles spearheaded this initiative with support from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and technical assistance from GI expert Dr Rajnikanth. The department actively facilitated joint applications submitted by the Textiles Department and the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association.
- Meghalaya’s GI Recognition was catalyzed by the recognition of Umden–Diwon Village under Raid Nongtluh (located in Ri-Bhoi) as Meghalaya’s 1st Eri Silk Village on February 12, 2021.
About Ryndia:
i.“Ryndia” is the Khasi name for eri, named after the ryndia (castor) plant that nourishes the eri silkworms.
ii.It is an exclusive heirloom and traditional and sustainable fabric of Meghalaya, whose fibres come from the cocoon of the domesticated eri silkworm, Philosamia ricini.
iii.Ryndia or Eri silk, commonly known as Peace or Ahimsa Silk. It derived its term, Peace Silk, from the age-old tradition of extracting silk from the cocoons without killing the silkworm.
iv.It is produced by indigenous Khasi, Bhoi, and Jaintia artisans. Ryndia weaving is traditionally a woman-centric activity among Khasi tribes.
About the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
i.A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation inherent to that location.
ii.In India, GI tags are administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect on 15 September 2003.
- The MoC&I sets a target of reaching 10,000 GI tags by 2030.
About Meghalaya:
Chief Minister (CM)- Conrad Kongkal Sangma
Governor– Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar
Zoological Parks– Lady Hydari Park((Meghalaya Zoo), Nehru Park Cum Mini Zoo
Airports– Shillong Airport, Baljek Airport
