When one thinks of Varanasi, the image of Kashi Vishwanath Dham often comes to mind. However, the city is now emerging as a beacon of heritage and craftsmanship, evidenced by the rise of Geographical Indications (GI) from 2 to 32.
In 2014, during his visit to Varanasi after assuming office as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was presented with an angvastram crafted by weaver Bachche Lal Maurya, featuring a “doha” (couplet) by Sant Kabir intricately engraved upon it. This seemingly simple exchange laid the foundation for a transformative journey in the realm of GI in Varanasi.
Rajnikant, a GI expert and Padma Shri awardee, serving as the General Secretary of the Human Welfare Association, highlights the remarkable journey from just two GI tags in 2014 to an impressive 32 designations today. “These encompass a diverse array of crafts including Meenakari, wooden carving, stone craft, and the celebrated Chunar sandstone and hand-blocking technique,” Rajnikant told this reporter.
Prime Minister Modi’s presentation of Gulabi Meenakari to US President Joe Biden at the G7 meeting in 2022 propelled this GI-tagged art form onto the global stage. This small act has led to the surge in demand for Varanasi’s famed crafts, such as Gulabi Meenakari, and has transitioned these arts from niche markets to mainstream popularity,” Himangshu Nagpal, a Government official said.
Rajnikant stressed the transformative impact of GI designations on Varanasi’s cultural and economic landscape. “The GI designation has propelled Varanasi’s traditional industries, particularly handloom and handicrafts, into a period of unprecedented growth, witnessing a staggering 32 to 40 percent surge,” he said. This resurgence has revitalized the livelihoods of artisans and weavers, who form the backbone of Varanasi’s rich cultural tapestry.
The economic impact of this GI revolution is profound, with an estimated annual turnover exceeding Rs 30,000 crore, benefiting approximately 20 lakh individuals engaged in these industries. Before 2014, the estimated turnover in the handicraft industry in Varanasi was between Rs 15,000 and Rs 18,000 crore.
Artisan Bachche Lal Maurya highlighted the tangible improvements in the quality of life for weavers and artisans. “Earlier, handloom weavers earned Rs 200 to Rs 250 per day, but with increased demand, they now command rates ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 600 daily,” he said.
Similarly, wooden craft artisans have seen their earnings soar from Rs 80 to Rs 150 per day to a substantial Rs 300 to Rs 500 daily, thanks to the increased demand for wooden toys.
Economic Renaissance through Tourism
The once quiet alleys of Varanasi have sprung to life with a surge in economic activities, ushering in a wave of financial prosperity over the past two to three years. Gokul Sharma, President of the Varanasi Hotel Association, dittoes to the remarkable growth in the hospitality and tourism sectors, particularly over the last decade. Hotels in Varanasi collectively raked in revenue exceeding Rs 2000 crore in the previous year alone.
Sharma said that this figure might not fully capture the economic impact due to the absence of official data on dharamshalas (religious guesthouses) and homestays. The actual revenue would be considerably higher if these accommodations were factored in. Government statistics indicate that over 5.50 crore tourists visited the city in 2023, with 13,700 of them being foreign visitors.
In response to the burgeoning tourist footfall, many residents along the banks of the Ganga have transformed their homes into homestays to capitalize on the tourism surge. However, the cumbersome registration process means the exact number of homestays and their respective revenues remain elusive.
