India's art and craft, which represent its culture, customs, and social ideals, are its greatest attributes. One of India's largest and oldest sectors is the handicraft sector which includes handicrafts and handloom. About 7 million artisans are employed by it, and it is a significant provider of artisanal crafts to international markets. A significant portion of our economy's decentralised/unorganised sector is made up of handicrafts. Due to strong market demand throughout time, what began as a part-time hobby in rural areas has now developed into a thriving commercial sector. Handicrafts and handloom have enormous potential since they are essential to the continued existence of millions of current artisans dispersed throughout the nation as well as an ever-growing number of new participants in the craft industry. Handicrafts and handloom currently provide a significant contribution to export and job creation. Geographical indication (GI) has become a significant type of intellectual property rights in the Indian environment in recent times. It is an effective tool for protecting and valuing both the traditional knowledge that goes along with exclusive items and their commercial potential. The handicraft business may benefit greatly from GI, but its interests are compromised if it is only viewed as intellectual property. In India, handicrafts make up more than half of 542 GI-registered products, with agricultural products coming in second followed by manufactured products and foodstuffs. The present study throws light on the current status of diverse GI Tagged Handicrafts and handloom of the Indian states.In the context of Indian handicrafts, this research article examines the complex interrelationships among tradition, identity, and the preservation of cultural heritage via the lens of Geographical Indications (GIs). With an emphasis on the rich tapestry of India's varied cultural landscape, the paper explores how Geographical Indications (GIs) function as a vital mechanism for preserving traditional craftsmanship associated with certain geographical locations.

CRAFTING IDENTITY: GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS AND THE LEGACY OF INDIAN ARTISANAL CRAFTS