Manamadurai Pottery

About Manamadurai Pottery:

• Manamadurai in the Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu is known for pottery making.

How are these pots made?

• The Vaigai River enriches the clay used for the Manamadurai pottery.
• Pot making requires expertise as the bottom has to be perfectly round.
• The circumference of the pot and the neck should be proportionate so that the pot sits flat on the ground.
• The right proportion of mud, clay and heating makes this product very strong.
• The main raw materials for making these pots are soil and water.
• The sand, collected from different places in the district, is used for making pottery and dried for two days. The particles of the mud get separated by sieving.

What is a Geographical Indication Tag?

• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
• This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed

Q1) What is the significance of Varushanad Hills?

The Varushanad Hills are a range of hills located in the Western Ghats of southern India. They are located in the state of Tamil Nadu, near the border with Kerala.The Varushanad Hills are an important watershed area, as several major rivers originate in the hills, including the Vaigai River.

Source: Watch | Tamil Nadu’s Manamadurai pottery gets GI tag