📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Dev0745
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Mandar Musical Instrument of Jharkhand Secures Geographical Indication Status
✍️ News On AIR
🗓 29 Sep 2026, 04:03 PM
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The traditional drum, Mandar, native to Jharkhand, has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) protection, recognizing its unique cultural heritage.
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to the Mandar drum marks a significant milestone for Jharkhand’s cultural heritage. The GI status protects the instrument’s name and ensures that only drums crafted in the region using traditional methods can bear the Mandar label.
The Mandar, a double‑sided drum played with sticks, has long been integral to folk festivals and rituals across Jharkhand’s tribal communities. Its distinctive sound is produced by a wooden frame and animal skin heads, and it is often paired with the dhol and harmonium during celebrations.
Artisans and musicians welcome the recognition, as it could boost demand and provide better market access for local craftsmen. The GI tag also helps safeguard traditional knowledge against imitation and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
The Jharkhand State Cultural Affairs Department announced the decision, citing the instrument’s historical significance and the need to preserve intangible cultural assets for future generations.
The Mandar, a double‑sided drum played with sticks, has long been integral to folk festivals and rituals across Jharkhand’s tribal communities. Its distinctive sound is produced by a wooden frame and animal skin heads, and it is often paired with the dhol and harmonium during celebrations.
Artisans and musicians welcome the recognition, as it could boost demand and provide better market access for local craftsmen. The GI tag also helps safeguard traditional knowledge against imitation and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
The Jharkhand State Cultural Affairs Department announced the decision, citing the instrument’s historical significance and the need to preserve intangible cultural assets for future generations.