Glass beads in various types, a handicraft that originated in the rural areas of Varanasi, also called as “kaanch ke moti” soon to receive a geographical indication status. According to reports the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry of India has agreed to certify this handicraft which comprises earrings, bracelets and necklaces made of glass beads.
The application is been filed in 2009, under class 21 for and on behalf of the Varanasi Glass Beads Industry by the Export Commissioner, U.P. State Government for promoting exports from the state and for preserving the hard earned reputation and goodwill secured un a long period by consistent craftsmanship by the means of intellectual property rights.
There are 98 glass beads Small scale industries in Varanasi district. There units are generating annual revenue of 150 crores and are generating exports of 15 crores of beads. These units are providing district employment to 5000 artisans and 20000 workers and artisans indirectly. France, Spain, Italy Belgium, Holland, UK, Denmark, and Germany are the main countries to which glass beads items are exported.
The following are the unique features of the Varanasi Glass Beads:
- Varanasi is the oldest Glass Beads manufacturers place in Modern India.
- Varanasi holds the biggest human resource of skilled artisans for making glass Beads.
- Generally the size of a glass beads varies between half inch and three inches.
- The see through hole is a narrow diameter ranging between 2mm to 5mm. It depends on the diameter of the metal string on which it is crafted. The narrow and uniform diameter hole is the distinct feature
- The flame of only hydrocarbon fuel run lamps are used in glass beads making and no furnace is used.
- The glass beads making is a complete handicraft where the intervention of heavy tools is minimal; and
- No two glass beads are identical as they are handmade, but even then they are similar.
By Akshatha Karthik
