Banarasi Shehnai and Tabla Receive GI Tags: Varanasi’s Musical Heritage Honoured

The Geographical Indication labels given to Banarasi Shehnai and Banarasi Tabla strengthened Varanasi's prestigious musical heritage. The GI tag status establishes both the exclusive artistry of Varanasi and official defenses for its famous musical instruments. Indian shehnai history received new significance when Ustad Bismillah Khan used his masterful instrument to perform at the first Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort.

Key Points

Banarasi Shehnai

• The Banarasi Shehnai stands as a fundamental wind instrument for the Banaras Gharana which forms part of Indian classical music traditions.

• Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan gained worldwide recognition for performing the instrument at the first Indian Independence Day celebrations held at the Red Fort.

• The instrumental form of the shehnai has been designated as not only sacred but also fortunate because musicians use it to perform at weddings and religious ceremonies as well as temple functions.

• The shehnai instrument embodies the spiritual essence along with musical expression of the sacred city of Varanasi.

Banarasi Tabla

• Founded in Varanasi, the Banaras Tabla Gharana serves as a leading institution through which students learn tabla.

• Unlike standard tabla styles this type uses pakhawaj-style vocals known as bols with complex rhythmic details.

• Since it delivers emotional expression the Banarasi Gharana serves well as an accompaniment to Kathak dance performances.

• The three main representatives of the shehnai art are Pandit Anokhelal Mishra and Pandit Kishan Maharaj as well as Pandit Samta Prasad.

• Within Indian classical music tradition there are six main tabla gharanas with Banaras Gharana standing as one of them.

Famous Banarasi Shehnai Artists:

• Ustad Bismillah Khan: He is widely recognized as the most renowned shehnai maestro of India who succeeded in making shehnai performance mainstream and earned international recognition. Awarded Bharat Ratna in 2001.

• Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan: A noted shehnai player from the Benares gharana, recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

• Anant Lal: He stands as a distinguished shehnai performer who continues to deliver classical concerts alongside working with artists from around the world.

Famous Banaras Tabla Gharana Artists:

• Pandit Anokhelal Mishra: Revered for his powerful playing and clarity of sound; a legendary figure of the gharana.

• Pandit Kishan Maharaj: Known for his speed, grace, and accompaniment, especially with Kathak dance; one of the greatest tabla players of the 20th century.

• Pandit Samta Prasad: He received his "Gudai Maharaj" name due to his quick fingers and distinctive playing style which made him an ideal tablist for leading classical musicians and dancers.

About  Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• Products featuring geographic origins which obtain their qualities and reputation due to their place of origin qualify for a GI tag.

• Authorized users in the specified territorial area are the only ones who can utilize the registered name under this restriction.

• The legal mark safeguards items against wrongful use or fake production together with deceptive product descriptions.

Validity and Authority:

• The validity period for GI tags amounts to ten years but registration holders can extend their certification without limits.

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry controls both registration processes along with regulatory functions.

Legal Framework:

• The laws that regulate the protection of Geographical Indications of Goods are specified in the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

• These GI products operate with compliance to the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

Conclusion 

By receiving the GI tag recognition for both the Banarasi Shehnai and Tabla traditional artisans and musicians in Varanasi obtain cultural protection together with sustainable career opportunities. The system demonstrates national and international dedication from India for protecting its cultural heritage practices.