NUSRL Plays Key Role in Securing GI Status for Jharkhand’s Traditional ‘Mandar’ Musical Instrument
Ranchi: The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, has achieved another significant milestone in the field of Intellectual Property Rights by playing a key facilitating role in securing Geographical Indication (GI) status for ‘Mandar’, the traditional folk musical instrument deeply rooted in Jharkhand’s cultural identity and folk traditions.
The GI status for Mandar has been granted by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, recognising the instrument’s distinctive identity and its longstanding association with the cultural, musical and social life of Jharkhand.
The achievement reflects NUSRL’s continued commitment to promoting Intellectual Property Rights, protecting traditional knowledge and supporting the recognition of Jharkhand’s indigenous cultural heritage. As an institution dedicated to legal education and research, NUSRL has been actively facilitating initiatives aimed at using the legal framework of Intellectual Property Rights for the protection and promotion of traditional products and cultural expressions of the State.
The GI application for Mandar was filed in 2021. The application documented the instrument’s distinctive traditional construction, use of locally sourced raw materials, traditional manufacturing techniques, acoustic characteristics and its deep cultural association with Jharkhand.
The application was also supported by historical and documentary evidence establishing the longstanding presence and cultural significance of Mandar in the region. Historical references relating to the instrument include works of Sarat Chandra Roy, Tarak Chandra Das and W. G. Archer, along with other archival and governmental records documenting the traditional use of Mandar in the cultural life of Jharkhand.
NUSRL played an important facilitating role in supporting the GI registration process and in facilitating the efforts associated with taking the application forward. The University’s involvement reflects its broader endeavour to connect legal expertise and academic resources with the protection of the State’s rich traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
The successful GI recognition of Mandar is particularly significant for the traditional communities and artisans associated with the instrument. GI protection provides legal recognition to the distinctive identity of the product and strengthens efforts towards preserving its traditional character and cultural significance.
NUSRL expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Satyadeep Singh, whose valuable efforts and contribution to the GI application and proceedings played an important role in taking the matter forward. NUSRL also acknowledges the contribution of all individuals and stakeholders associated with the successful registration.
The recognition of Mandar as a GI is a proud moment for NUSRL and Jharkhand, and marks another step towards preserving and promoting the State’s rich intellectual, cultural and traditional heritage through the effective use of Intellectual Property Rights.
