The Untold Cultural Story of Wall Hanging: A Case Study of Geographical Indications (GI) Product from Varanasi

Abstract

Culture is characterised as anything performed by a group of people or a society that has diverse meanings, interpretations, and subjective. The medium through which people express their ability to fulfil themselves and therefore is considered a significant part of the development. Varanasi is blessed with several unique and highly skilled artisans who have been preparing antique handicraft products for generations; one such antique product is a wall hanging. Wall hanging products are priceless, which are being prepared by master weavers, and they are master among the masters. The unique quality of wall hanging attributable to its geographical origin was the basis for wall hanging to get the Geographical Indications tag in 2017. The basic objective of this study is to explore the hidden, potential, and untold cultural heritage and legal aspects of the Geographical Indications (GI) given to wall hanging and the challenges faced by wall hanging weavers in clusters of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Well-structured research questions related to livelihood and economic aspects, traditional and cultural dimensions, market dynamics, consumer behaviour, sustainability and existing challenges were asked and later analysed. Analytical and descriptive methods were used for the analysis to get the desired outcome. After the discussion, it was concluded that wall hanging weavers are working toward enriching the cultural heritage of India. The government and other institutions should focus on restoring Varanasi's wall-hanging cultural glory instead of redesigning it. The paper proposes a roadmap to improve the living standards of the wall hanging weavers by identifying and eliminating the hindrance in the path of their inclusive development. From expert opinion, Varanasi Wall Hanging as the GI tagged product is still underexplored, less competitive, limited market share, localised minor product and not visible to everyone. Wall hanging remains on the margines, and neglected from academic research due to the smaller area of influence, limited awareness, poor narratives, no policy attention and its restricted production.