1. What is the Arunachal Pradesh Dao?

• A traditional hand-forged blade used by multiple tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh.

• Made using inherited blacksmithing techniques passed down through generations.

• Serves multiple purposes:

  • Daily utility (farming, household tasks)

  • Cultural rituals

  • Symbolic weapon reflecting tribal identity

2. Significance of the GI Tag

a. Cultural Recognition

• Officially acknowledges the dao as a unique cultural product linked to its specific geographical origin.

• Protects traditional forging techniques, tribal craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

b. Legal Protection

• Prevents unauthorised use, imitation or misuse of the product name.

• Ensures only genuine artisans can market products as “Arunachal Pradesh Dao”.

c. Branding & Authenticity

• Enhances the product’s market value and consumer trust.

• Strengthens the identity of artisans and the reputation of indigenous craftsmanship.

3. Economic Impact on Artisan Communities

• Better income opportunities due to premium pricing and wider recognition.

• GI tag helps rural craft clusters access:

  • New markets (national & global)

  • Government branding support

  • Skill-development programmes

• Expected to offer income stability for blacksmithing families.

• Helps in preventing the decline of traditional skills by making them economically viable.

4. Government Initiatives Linked to the GI Tag

• Training programmes to upgrade skill quality.

• Support for marketing, exhibitions and craft fairs.

• Promotion through e-commerce platforms and tourism circuits.

• Encouragement of cluster-based development for blacksmithing communities.

5. Arunachal Pradesh’s Growing GI Portfolio

Arunachal Pradesh has already around 20 GI-tagged products.
Notable examples include:

• Wakro Orange

• Idu Mishmi textiles

• Khamti rice

• Yak churpi (traditional dairy product)

• Wancho wooden craft

This indicates the state’s rising contributions to India’s GI ecosystem, especially in agriculture, textiles and traditional crafts.

6. Exam-Oriented Facts (Prelims Ready)

• Geographical Indication (GI):

  • A sign used for products with a specific geographical origin and qualities linked to that region.

  • Protects traditional knowledge, craftsmanship and authenticity.

  • Regulated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

  • India’s GI Registry is located in Chennai.

• GI tag for the dao:

  • Preserves tribal blacksmithing heritage.

  • Enhances market access for rural artisans.

  • Boosts local branding & supports cultural identity.

7. Future Prospects & State Policy

• Arunachal Pradesh aims to expand to 50 GI-recognised products by 2030.

• GI certification will be integrated with:

  • Rural development policies

  • Cultural tourism

  • Livelihood missions

• The dao’s recognition will act as a model for heritage-based economic empowerment.