A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is a label given to products that originate from a specific geographical region and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially attributable to that place of origin.
Key Legal Facts for Exams:
- Governed by: The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
- Came into force: 15 September 2003
- Administered by: Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), Mumbai
- India’s first GI tag: Darjeeling Tea (2004–2005)
- International framework: TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)
- Validity: 10 years, renewable for another 10 years
- GI Registry is located in: Chennai
- State with highest GI tags in India (2025): Uttar Pradesh
What is a GI Tag, and Why Does It Matter?
Before we get into the list, it helps to understand what a GI tag actually does.
A GI tag protects traditional knowledge and indigenous craftsmanship, prevents the misuse and imitation of authentic products, and promotes rural employment and local entrepreneurship. Think of it as a legal seal of authenticity. It tells the world — and the market — that this product can only come from this specific place, produced in this specific way.
For Assam, this matters enormously. The state’s artisans, weavers, farmers, and tribal communities have been making these products for generations. Without GI protection, anyone anywhere could brand their product as “Assam Tea” or sell imitation Muga silk. The GI tag makes that illegal and gives authentic producers a competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
| Particulars | Details |
| Total GI Tags in Assam (as of 2025) | 41 |
| First GI Tag Product of Assam | Muga Silk of Assam |
| Year of First GI Tag | 2007 |
| Products linked to Bodo community | 21 |
| Products linked to broader Assamese culture | 20 |
| GI Tags Pending (approx.) | 4–5 |
Assam Has More Than 40 GI Tags. Here is What That Really Means.
If you have ever worn a Gamosa, sipped Assam tea, or tasted a Tezpur litchi, you have already experienced something that the Government of India considers irreplaceable — a product so tied to its place of origin that no other region in the world can authentically replicate it.
That is the essence of a Geographical Indication tag, or GI tag. And Assam, with its extraordinary mix of agricultural produce, handloom traditions, tribal crafts, and cultural artifacts, has quietly become one of the most GI-rich states in the country.
As of 2025, Assam has been granted 41 Geographical Indication tags for its traditional crafts, textiles, and agricultural products, awarded between April 2007 and March 2025. These range from the world-famous Assam Orthodox Tea to the lesser-known but equally significant Bodo Khardwi — an ash powder used in traditional Bodo cuisine.
This article takes you through all the major GI tag products of Assam, category by category, in a way that is easy to read and even easier to remember.
Complete List of GI Tag Products of Assam (2025)
Agricultural GI Tag Products of Assam
Assam’s soil, climate, and water have produced some of India’s most distinctive agricultural goods. Several of them now carry the GI tag.
Muga Silk of Assam
This is where it all started. Muga Silk was the first product from Assam to receive a GI tag, originally awarded in 2007, recognizing the unique qualities of this golden silk, which is exclusively produced in Assam by silkworms that feed on local plants.
There is no Muga silk anywhere else in the world. The natural golden sheen it carries does not fade with age — it only deepens. That is a quality unique to Assam’s ecosystem, and the GI tag ensures it stays that way.
Assam Orthodox Tea
Assam Orthodox Tea received its GI tag in 2008-09, registered under the Tea Board of Assam. Unlike CTC tea — which is the mass-produced, machine-processed variety — Orthodox tea is made using traditional methods that preserve the whole leaf and bring out complex flavors. Assam’s Orthodox tea is prized in global specialty tea markets and is now legally protected from imitation.
Tezpur Litchi
Tezpur Litchi, celebrated for its unique sweetness, juiciness, and distinctive flavor, was granted a GI tag in 2015. This variety is primarily cultivated in the Tezpur region of Assam, where the favorable climate and soil conditions contribute to its exceptional quality. If you have had a Tezpur litchi and a regular litchi, you already know the difference. There is no comparison.
Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger
Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger is renowned for its superior quality and high fiber content, primarily cultivated in the Karbi Anglong district, where ideal soil and climate conditions contribute to its exceptional growth. Compared to other ginger varieties, it is larger, more aromatic, and more fibrous, making it highly valued in both culinary and medicinal applications. It received its GI tag in 2015 and has since found its way into international markets.
Joha Rice of Assam
Joha rice, a unique variety from Assam, is known for its small grain size, soft texture, and aromatic fragrance. It holds significant economic value in the region, cherished for its distinctive qualities, and was awarded the GI tag in 2017. Joha rice is often cooked during festivals and special occasions in Assam. Its fragrance alone sets it apart.
Boka Chaul
Boka Chaul is a unique variety of rice from Assam known for its distinctive edible texture even without cooking. Often referred to as “soft rice” or “mud rice,” it can be prepared by simply soaking it in water at room temperature for an hour, after which it is ready to eat. It received its GI tag in 2018. There are very few rice varieties in the world that require no cooking, and Boka Chaul is one of them.
Kaji Nemu
Kaji Nemu is a distinctive seedless lemon variety from Assam, known for its oblong shape, juicy pulp, and mild tanginess. Unlike regular lemons, Kaji Nemu has a subtle sweetness, making it highly sought after in culinary applications, particularly in Assamese cuisine. It was awarded the GI tag in 2019 and has since been declared the State Fruit of Assam.
Chokuwa Rice
Chokuwa rice from Assam is a unique variety that becomes edible with minimal cooking. Unlike Boka Chaul, which only requires soaking, Chokuwa rice typically needs a brief boiling period. It received its GI tag in 2020. Like Boka Chaul, it is a staple in traditional Assamese households and holds a prominent place in the state’s food culture.
Category 2: Handicrafts & Textiles
| Product | Key Facts |
| Assam (Orthodox) Tea / Assam Orthodox Logo | GI Tag No. 115; awarded 2007–18; known for distinct flavour from Assam’s climate and geography |
| Muga Silk of Assam | First GI product of Assam (2007); re-tagged 2014 (GI No. 384); golden silk, exclusively produced in Assam |
| Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger | Cultivated in Karbi Anglong district; known for superior quality and high fibre content |
| Tezpur Litchi | Grown in and around Tezpur (Sonitpur district); known for its unique sweetness and aroma |
| Joha Rice of Assam | Aromatic rice variety unique to Assam; used in traditional and festive cooking |
| Boka Chaul (Soft Rice) | Traditional soft rice variety that can be eaten without cooking after soaking |
| Kaji Nemu | Assam’s iconic lemon variety; known for its medicinal and culinary value |
Category 2: Handicrafts & Textiles
| Product | Key Facts |
| Assam Muga Silk (Logo) | GI No. 384; marks authenticity of Muga Silk products |
| Sarthebari Metal Craft | From Barpeta district; known for bell-metal and brass products; engages ~2,000 artisans |
| Assam Pani Meteka (Water Hyacinth) Craft | Craft made from water hyacinth; eco-friendly and unique to Assam |
| Assam Mising Handloom Products (Mising Taat) | Traditional handloom products of the Mising tribe of Assam |
| Asharikandi Terracotta Craft | Beautiful terracotta creations from Asharikandi village; part of Assamese cultural heritage |
| Assam Majuli Manuscript Painting | Ancient art from Majuli Island; rooted in neo-Vaishnavite culture of Srimanta Sankardev; GI No. 940 (2024) |
| Axomiya Gohona (Assamese Traditional Jewellery) | Handcrafted traditional jewellery of Assam; recently awarded GI tag |
Category 3: Traditional Cultural Items
| Product | Key Facts |
| Assam Jaapi | Traditional bamboo/cane hat made of Tokou Pat; symbol of pride in Assam; used as protection from sun and rain |
| Assam Bihu Dhol | Two-faced drum; iconic instrument of Assam’s folk culture; played with a stick and hand during Bihu |
| Gamosa | Iconic white cotton cloth with red border; symbol of Assamese culture and identity |
Bodo Community GI Tag Products (21 Products – Very Important for Exams!)
The Bodo community, the largest tribal group in Assam, accounts for 21 of Assam’s 41 GI tags — a landmark recognition of Bodo cultural heritage. Many of these were granted on 30 March / 1 April 2024.
Bodo Textiles & Attire
| Product | Description |
| Bodo Dokhona | Traditional dress worn by Bodo women; woven on handlooms |
| Bodo Eri Silk | Traditional eri silk fabric of the Bodo community |
| Bodo Jwmgra | Traditional woven fabric/design unique to Bodo weavers |
| Bodo Gamsa | Traditional towel/cloth of the Bodo community |
| Bodo Aronai | A small scarf/stole used in religious and cultural occasions by Bodos |
| Bodo Khardwi | Traditional food additive (ash powder) made from dried banana stems, bamboo, papaya stem, coconut husks; acts like cooking soda |
Bodo Agricultural & Food Products
| Product | Description |
| Bodo Keradapini | Traditional agricultural product of the Bodo community |
| Bodo Gongar Dunjia | Traditional agricultural item of Bodoland |
| Bodo Napham (Fermented Fish) | Popular fermented fish preparation; a staple of Bodo cuisine |
| Bodo Gwkha | Also known as ‘Gwka Gwkhi’; prepared during the Bwisagu (Bodo New Year) festival |
| Bodo Narzi | Semi-fermented food prepared from jute leaves |
| Bodo Jou Gwran | Traditional fermented rice beer with highest alcohol content (~16.11%) |
| Maibra Jou Bidwi | Traditional rice beer served as welcome drink by Bodo tribes |
| Bodo Jou Gishi | Traditional rice-based alcoholic beverage |
Bodo Musical Instruments
| Product | Description |
| Bodo Kham | Traditional Bodo drum |
| Bodo Serja | Traditional string instrument |
| Bodo Sifung | Traditional flute of the Bodo people |
| Bodo Thorkha | Traditional percussion instrument |
| Bodo Gongona | Traditional mouth harp / bamboo instrument |
| Bodo Jotha | Traditional musical instrument |
Manufactured and Beverage GI Tag Products of Assam
Judima
Judima, a traditional rice wine made by the Dimasa tribe in Assam, holds the distinction of being the first alcoholic beverage from northeastern India to receive Geographical Indication status. Judima was awarded the GI tag in 2020. It is made from fermented rice and a herb called Humao, and is deeply embedded in Dimasa culture — served at festivals, ceremonies, and community gatherings.
Bodo Rice Beers
In 2024, the Geographical Indications Registry granted GI tags to several traditional Bodo fermented beverages. These include Bodo Jou Gwran — which has the highest alcohol content at about 16.11% — Maibra Jou Bidwi, which is served as a welcome drink by most Bodo tribes, and Bodo Jou Gishi, another traditional rice-based alcoholic beverage. These are not just beverages — they are cultural artifacts that define Bodo hospitality and identity.
Handloom and Textile GI Tag Products of Assam
Gamosa of Assam
The Gamosa, an iconic handwoven textile from Assam, was awarded the GI tag in 2022. Every person who has attended a Bihu celebration, been welcomed by an Assamese family, or received a mark of respect in this state has held a Gamosa. It is more than a piece of cloth — it is a symbol of Assamese identity. The GI tag ensures that the real, handwoven Gamosa produced by Assam’s weavers is legally protected from machine-made imitations.
Assam Mising Handloom Products
Assam Mising Handloom Products represent traditional cloth-making by the Mising indigenous community, with garments that carry cultural significance and are often woven for special occasions. These textiles received their GI tag in 2024, officially recognizing the artistry of Mising weavers and their centuries-old craft.
Bodo Dokhona, Eri Silk, Jwmgra and Gamsa
The Bodo community’s GI-tagged textiles include the Dokhona — a traditional attire for women — Eri Silk, also known as the fabric of peace, the Jwmgra, a traditional scarf, and the Gamsa, a traditional dress for men. All four were awarded GI tags in 2024. The Bodo community’s weaving tradition is one of the richest in Northeast India, and these tags are long overdue recognition of that heritage.
Handicraft GI Tag Products of Assam
Sarthebari Metal Craft
The Sarthebari Metal Craft is a handicraft industry from Barpeta, known for its bell-metal products, engaging around 2,000 artisans. Sarthebari is considered the bell-metal capital of Assam. The utensils, ritual objects, and decorative items made here are used in homes and temples across the state. The GI tag, awarded in 2024, protects the livelihood of the craftsmen who have kept this tradition alive.
Assam Jaapi
Assam Jaapi is a traditional bamboo hat symbolizing pride, made of bamboo and palm leaves, used traditionally as headgear by farmers and holding deep cultural significance in Assam. It received its GI tag in 2024. If you have seen any imagery representing Assam — in tourism campaigns, folk performances, or national exhibitions — the Jaapi has almost certainly been part of it.
Assam Pani Mateka Craft (Water Hyacinth Craft)
Water hyacinth was once considered a menace — an invasive plant clogging Assam’s rivers and wetlands. Today, it is the raw material for one of the state’s most recognized crafts. The Assam Pani Mateka Craft is utilized for craft-making by the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, generating employment from what was once considered waste. The GI tag, awarded in 2024, recognizes the ingenuity of the artisans who transformed an environmental problem into a livelihood.
Asharikandi Terracotta Craft
The Asharikandi Terracotta Craft is produced by over 100 families in Assam’s Dhubri district, part of one of North East India’s largest clusters, using clay and sand baked with earthen color. This craft received its GI tag in 2024. The terracotta works from Asharikandi are not just decorative — they are functional objects with deep roots in Assamese daily life and ritual.
Majuli Mask Craft (Mukha Shilpa)
The masks of Majuli are among the most visually striking traditional art forms in all of Northeast India. Large, elaborately painted masks used in Sattriya performances at Majuli’s monasteries are now GI-protected. The craft received its tag in 2024, ensuring that the mask-making tradition of Majuli’s sattras is formally recognized and legally protected.
Majuli Manuscript Painting
Majuli Manuscript Painting is an ancient art form practiced on Majuli Island, where artisans create intricate and vibrant illustrations on handmade manuscripts. This art form is deeply rooted in the neo-Vaishnavite culture and heritage established by the saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardev. It was awarded the GI tag in 2024. These manuscripts are living documents of Assam’s spiritual and artistic legacy — and now they carry formal recognition to match.
Axomiya Gohona (Assamese Jewellery)
The GI tag has been granted to Axomiya Gohona, recognizing it as a unique traditional craft of Assam. This GI tag helps preserve the rich cultural heritage of Assamese handcrafted jewellery and provides legal protection against imitation, ensuring economic and cultural value for local artisans.
Musical Instruments — A Category Unto Itself
One of the most unique aspects of Assam’s GI story is the recognition extended to traditional musical instruments — particularly those of the Bodo community.
Assam Bihu Dhol
The Assam Bihu Dhol is a two-faced drum integral to Assam’s folk culture, played with both a stick and hand, and was featured prominently in the Guinness World Record-breaking Bihu dance. The Bihu Dhol received its GI tag in 2024. No Bihu celebration is complete without it — the sound of the Dhol is, for most Assamese people, the sound of home.
Bodo Musical Instruments
The Bodo community’s GI-tagged musical instruments include the Kham, Serja, Thorkha, Jotha, Gongona, and Sifung. All six received their GI tags in 2024. Each instrument plays a distinct role in Bodo ceremonial and cultural life — from the Sifung, a bamboo flute, to the Serja, a string instrument with a haunting sound.
Bodo Agricultural Products
Bodo Khardwi
Khardwi is one of the most popular traditional food items of Bodo cuisine. It is basically an ash powder prepared by burning dried banana stems, bamboo, papaya stem, coconut coir, or even potato plants, mustard, lentil, and sesame leaves. It acts as a cooking agent, similar to baking soda, and gives Bodo dishes a distinctive taste. It received its GI tag in 2024.
Bodo Keradapini and Bodo Gongar Dunjia
These are two traditional Bodo agricultural products that also received GI tags in 2024, further cementing the recognition of Bodo community’s contribution to Assam’s agricultural and culinary heritage.
Assam’s GI Tags by the Number
To put it all in context:
Assam has 41 GI tags registered between April 2007 and March 2025, of which 21 belong to the Bodo community alone. The products span six broad categories — agricultural goods, manufactured products, handicrafts, handlooms, musical instruments, and traditional food items.
These products have a rich historical significance and provide direct support to nearly one lakh people.
That is not a small number. Behind every GI tag is a community of farmers, weavers, artisans, and craftspeople whose livelihoods depend on the authenticity and reputation of what they make.
Why This Matters Beyond the Certificate
A GI tag is not just a label. It is market power.
When a product carries a GI tag, it can be legally differentiated from imitations in domestic and international markets. It commands a premium price. It builds a brand not just for one producer, but for an entire region. It creates an incentive for younger generations to continue traditional crafts because those crafts now have economic value, not just cultural value.
For Assam, a state whose economy has historically been tied to agriculture and whose cultural identity is inseparable from its handlooms and crafts, the GI tag program is one of the most meaningful policy tools available. It protects the past while creating opportunity for the future.
Important Facts & Exam Points
Quick Recall Points:
- Assam’s first GI tag product → Muga Silk (2007)
- Total GI tags in Assam (2025) → 41
- 21 GI tags belong to the Bodo community
- 19 products got GI tag in a single batch in April 2024
- 13 out of those 19 were Bodo products
- Majuli Manuscript Painting received GI tag in 2024 (GI No. 940)
- Boka Chaul and Joha Rice are unique rice varieties of Assam with GI tags
- Kaji Nemu = Assam’s lemon; also has GI tag
- Tezpur Litchi is from Sonitpur district
- Sarthebari Metal Craft is from Barpeta district
- Asharikandi Terracotta is a village-level craft of Assam
- Assam Orthodox Tea has GI tag since 2007–18
Why GI Tags Matter – Points for Essay/Short Answer
- Protects products from imitation and misuse by unauthorized producers
- Helps preserve cultural heritage and traditional knowledge
- Creates economic opportunities for local artisans, farmers, and weavers
- Boosts exports and brand value of regional products
- Supports sustainable livelihoods in rural and tribal communities
- Provides legal protection under national and international intellectual property laws (TRIPS)
Previous Year Exam-Oriented Questions (Expected Pattern)
Q1. Which was the first product of Assam to receive a GI tag?
- Ans. Muga Silk of Assam (2007)
Q2. Under which Act are GI tags governed in India?
- Ans. Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
Q3. Which body grants GI tags in India?
- Ans. Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), Mumbai; Registry at Chennai
Q4. How many GI tags does Assam have as of 2025?
- Ans. 41
Q5. Name the traditional rice variety of Assam that can be eaten without cooking.
- Ans. Boka Chaul
Q6. Which Bodo food item is prepared during the Bwisagu festival?
- Ans. Bodo Gwkha
Q7. Name the GI-tagged traditional hat of Assam.
- Ans. Assam Jaapi (made of Tokou Pat bamboo/cane)
Q8. Which Bodo product is used as a cooking soda and made from burnt banana stems?
- Ans. Bodo Khardwi
Q9. Name the art form from Majuli Island that received a GI tag in 2024.
- Ans. Assam Majuli Manuscript Painting (GI No. 940)
Q10. The Bodo rice beer with the highest alcohol content is called?
- Ans. Bodo Jou Gwran (~16.11% alcohol)
Summary Table – All GI Tag Products of Assam at a Glance
| Sl. No. | Product | Category |
| 1 | Assam Orthodox Tea | Agricultural |
| 2 | Muga Silk of Assam | Textile |
| 3 | Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger | Agricultural |
| 4 | Tezpur Litchi | Agricultural |
| 5 | Joha Rice of Assam | Agricultural |
| 6 | Boka Chaul | Agricultural |
| 7 | Kaji Nemu | Agricultural |
| 8 | Assam Jaapi | Handicraft |
| 9 | Assam Bihu Dhol | Cultural |
| 10 | Gamosa | Cultural/Textile |
| 11 | Sarthebari Metal Craft | Handicraft |
| 12 | Assam Pani Meteka Craft | Handicraft |
| 13 | Assam Mising Handloom (Taat) | Textile |
| 14 | Asharikandi Terracotta Craft | Handicraft |
| 15 | Assam Majuli Manuscript Painting | Art/Heritage |
| 16 | Axomiya Gohona (Jewellery) | Handicraft |
| 17 | Bodo Dokhona | Bodo Textile |
| 18 | Bodo Eri Silk | Bodo Textile |
| 19 | Bodo Jwmgra | Bodo Textile |
| 20 | Bodo Gamsa | Bodo Textile |
| 21 | Bodo Aronai | Bodo Textile |
| 22 | Bodo Khardwi | Bodo Food |
| 23 | Bodo Keradapini | Bodo Agricultural |
| 24 | Bodo Gongar Dunjia | Bodo Agricultural |
| 25 | Bodo Napham | Bodo Food |
| 26 | Bodo Gwkha | Bodo Food |
| 27 | Bodo Narzi | Bodo Food |
| 28 | Bodo Jou Gwran | Bodo Beverage |
| 29 | Maibra Jou Bidwi | Bodo Beverage |
| 30 | Bodo Jou Gishi | Bodo Beverage |
| 31 | Bodo Kham | Bodo Musical Instrument |
| 32 | Bodo Serja | Bodo Musical Instrument |
| 33 | Bodo Sifung | Bodo Musical Instrument |
| 34 | Bodo Thorkha | Bodo Musical Instrument |
| 35 | Bodo Gongona | Bodo Musical Instrument |
| 36 | Bodo Jotha | Bodo Musical Instrument |
Quick Mnemonics for Exams
Remember Bodo Musical Instruments (6): Kham, Serja, Sifung, Thorkha, Gongona, Jotha → “KS ST GJ”
Remember Bodo Agricultural Products (3): Keradapini, Gongar Dunjia, Khardwi → “Two K’s and a G”
Remember Major Non-Bodo Agricultural GI Products: MATKJB → Muga Silk, Assam Tea, Tezpur Litchi, Karbi Anglong Ginger, Joha Rice, Boka Chaul (+ Kaji Nemu)
This article is updated as of April 2026 and covers all GI tag products relevant for APSC (CCE, ACS, APS), ADRE (Grade III & IV), Assam TET, Assam Police, and other state competitive examinations.