Bihar’s Treasure Box: A Look at its Famous GI Tags

Bihar is an ancient land rich in history, culture, and unique traditions. When a product from this region gets a Geographical Indication (GI tag), it’s like getting a special stamp of authenticity, confirming that its unique quality and reputation come directly from this part of the world.

These GI-tagged items are more than just goods; they are pieces of Bihar’s heritage. They range from the delicate threads of its art to the sweet, fragrant fruits grown in its soil.

Here are some of the most famous and important GI-tagged treasures from Bihar:

From the Fields and Farms (Agricultural Delights)

• Mithila Makhana: This is perhaps Bihar’s most famous health food export. Makhana, or fox nut, is an aquatic crop, and the Mithila region is the largest producer in India. The GI tag confirms its unique quality, which is linked to the water bodies and traditional methods used in the Mithila area. It’s a staple used in many traditional and ceremonial dishes.
• Shahi Litchi: Grown primarily in Muzaffarpur, this litchi is legendary! Its GI tag recognizes its distinctive qualities: a remarkably juicy pulp, an extra sweet flavour, and a smaller seed than other varieties. When litchis are in season, the aroma alone is enough to identify this special fruit.
• Bhagalpuri Zardalu Mango: From the Bhagalpur district, the Zardalu mango is famous for its gorgeous golden-yellow skin and incredibly fragrant, creamy-textured pulp. It’s a premium mango variety treasured for its smooth, sweet taste.
• Katarni Rice: This is one of Bihar’s finest scented rice varieties. It’s a small, aromatic grain, known for its unique, delicate flavour that instantly elevates any traditional Bihari dish it’s used in.
• Magahi Paan: This special betel leaf from the Magadh region is prized for its soft texture and subtle, sweeter taste compared to other paan. When you chew it, it has a melt-in-your-mouth quality, making it a truly unique experience.
• Marcha Rice: A recent addition, this aromatic rice variety from West Champaran is known for its distinct black pepper-like shape (hence the name ‘Marcha’, meaning chili/pepper). It’s used to make traditional local foods like chura (flattened rice) and khichdi.

The Handcrafted Wonders (The Art of Bihar)

• Madhubani Paintings (or Mithila Art): These are perhaps Bihar’s most globally recognized art form. Created mostly by women from the Mithila region, these intricate, colourful paintings tell stories of gods, nature, and daily life. What makes them special? The artists use natural dyes and brushes made from cotton wrapped around bamboo twigs.
• Bhagalpur Silk (Tussar Silk): Bhagalpur is known as the ‘Silk City of India’. The Tussar silk produced here has a natural golden sheen and a unique coarse texture that is wonderfully durable. This silk represents a centuries-old weaving tradition.
• Sujini Embroidery Work: This is an amazing form of hand embroidery, traditionally done on old cloth (like a quilt or blanket) by rural women, often using bright, contrasting threads. The motifs usually show scenes from daily life, animals, or Hindu mythology.
• Sikki Grass Products: Made by the craftswomen of the Mithila region, these are beautiful, eco-friendly items like baskets and boxes woven from a golden, natural grass called Sikki.
• Applique (Khatwa) Work of Bihar: This craft involves sewing small pieces of contrasting fabric onto a larger piece to create elaborate decorative patterns, often seen on tents, canopies, and wall hangings.
• Manjusha Art: Hailing from the Ang region (Bhagalpur), this scroll painting is often called “Snake Painting” because of its serpentine motifs. It’s a line-drawing art form characterized by a limited palette of pink, green, and yellow, and it uniquely tells a story in sequence.
• Patharkatti Stone Craft: This ancient stone carving art from Gaya district received the GI tag recently. The craftsmen use black granite stone, sourced from the local hills, to carve beautiful statues of deities and other decorative pieces.

A Sweet Finish (Foodstuff)

• Silao Khaja: This traditional delicacy is a must-try from the Nalanda district. It is a multi-layered, thin pastry, deep-fried and then dipped in sugar syrup. The unique part is its hundreds of crisp, flaky layers, which are folded and pressed into a perfect square or rectangle.

These GI tags don’t just protect a name; they protect the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and farmers, ensuring that the unique characteristics tied to Bihar’s land and traditions are preserved for the world to enjoy.