Madhya Pradesh’s ancient craftsmanship and cultural heritage have taken a historic leap forward. Five unique traditional art forms of the state—Khajuraho Stone Carving, Chhatarpur Artistic Furniture, Betul Ekamatrava Metal Craft, Gwalior Stone Craft and Gwalior Handmade Paper Gum Art—have now formally entered the Geographical Indication (GI) registration process. This step is expected to provide national and global recognition to these art forms along with legal protections, better market opportunities, and improved livelihoods for artisans.
Applications Filed
The application for Khajuraho Stone Craft has been submitted by Arise and Aware Foundation Committee, Thatipur, while the Chhatarpur Furniture Association has filed the GI registration request for Chhatarpur’s handcrafted furniture. Experts consider this move significant for the preservation, documentation, and promotion of traditional craft practices.
Khajuraho Craft to Receive Global Recognition
Khajuraho’s intricate stone carving tradition—famous worldwide for its finesse, historical relevance, and architectural legacy—is now in line for formal GI protection. Once approved, the craft will gain legal safeguards against duplication, a distinct identity in the market, and greater access to international platforms. The move is expected to boost tourism, enhance economic opportunities, and connect local artisans with global business avenues, including e-commerce platforms.
Chhatarpur Furniture to Emerge as a Recognised Brand
Renowned for hand-crafted workmanship, detailed woodwork, and premium finishing, Chhatarpur furniture holds a strong reputation across Madhya Pradesh. With the GI application now in process, experts foresee a major rise in national demand, branding value, and manufacturing expansion. The approval will label these products as certified under the name “Chhatarpur Furniture”, strengthening small-scale industries, local carpenters, and woodcraft clusters, and creating new employment opportunities.
Benefits Expected from GI Tag
- National & global recognition
- Protection against imitation
- Increase in income as GI products command premium prices
- Entry into international trade and wider markets
- Boost to tourism and cultural economy
- Institutional support and government recognition
Institutional Support and Progress
Key institutions including NABARD and SIDBI have provided funding and technical support to advance the applications. The MSME Department, local craft clusters, and traditional artisan communities played a crucial role in documentation and procedural formalities.
Currently, Panna Diamond is the only registered GI-tagged product from Madhya Pradesh. However, approximately 25 additional products are now in the final evaluation stage—indicating a huge cultural and economic transformation underway in the state.
Senior officials including Rajshekhar Pandey (General Manager, MSME), Secretary Brajendra Gupta, and teams from various cultural organizations have actively contributed to the process.
Five Registered Art Forms Under GI Process
- Khajuraho Stone Craft
- Chhatarpur Artistic Furniture
- Betul Ekamatrava Metal Art
- Gwalior Stone Craft
- Gwalior Handmade Paper Gum Craft
With these developments, Madhya Pradesh is set to strengthen its cultural legacy and secure its position on the global heritage and creative economy map.