GI Tag for the string instrument is in the examination stage and the formalities in respect of registration of Geographical Indication status is expected to be complete by March 2013, according to Dr Chinnaraja G.Naidu, Head of Office, Geographical Indications Registry said.
The Geographical Indications Registry has specified such goods must have special qualities or characteristics unique to the geographical indication. The GI differs from a Trade Mark, a sign used in the course of trade to distinguish goods or services of one enterprise from others, he said
The application for GI Tag for the Thanjavur Veena was submitted in June, 2010 by the Thanjavur Musical Instruments Workers Co-operative Cottage Industrial Society Limited, facilitated by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology.
It is of special importance that the handiwork of the Thanjavur Veena is unique to the artisans who have domicile in an around the town of Thanjavur.
The variety of wood used to make the Thanjavur veena is from a particular strain of matured jackwood tree, which is unique to Thanjavur area. The craftsmanship and the skill in making the functional resonator of the veena are also unique to the Thanjavur veena.