Jharkhand’s Mandar drum receives GI tag for craftsmanship
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Artisans in Gumla district, Jharkhand, India, have long crafted the Mandar drum using local red clay, leather, and techniques passed down through families.
These drums are central to celebrations across the state, providing the rhythm for dances and gatherings. Recently, the Mandar received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognizing its connection to the region and the skill of its makers.
The Raidih Mandar Producer Company Limited, representing artisans from Jarjatta village, applied for the GI tag in 2023, highlighting the drum’s unique construction, a clay body covered in leather and a special Kiran coating, and its cultural importance. A GI tag confirms a product’s link to a specific place and protects its identity, like the way it does for Darjeeling tea. This recognition could help artisans sell their drums to a wider audience both within India and internationally.
While the GI tag won’t automatically increase income, it establishes authenticity and provides a foundation for marketing and reaching new customers. For generations, the Mandar has provided music for Jharkhand’s celebrations, and the GI tag offers a chance for more people to appreciate the craft behind the instrument.
