Assamese Jewellery Earns the Prestigious GI Tag

Assamese jewellery, known as Axomiya Gohona, has officially secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in April 2025—marking a landmark moment for the state’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and vibrant cultural identity. This recognition protects not just the product itself, but also the centuries-old legacy of Assamese artisans who have meticulously preserved their heritage across generations

What is Special About Assamese Jewellery?

Axomiya Gohona isn’t just ornamentation; it’s a living testament to Assam’s artistic spirit. Characterized by intricate motifs inspired by local flora, fauna, musical instruments, and everyday symbols, each piece tells a story. Designs like the twin pigeons (Lokaparo), the crescent moon (Jonbiri), and the iconic drum (Dhol Biri) are as much wearable art as they are personal heirlooms.

Handcrafted predominantly from high-purity gold and silver, and often finished with vibrant red, black, green, blue, and white gemstones or enamel, these pieces highlight the state’s long-standing expertise in metalwork. The chief artisans—called Sonari—have passed down their skills through families, sustaining the trade’s authenticity and charm.

A Legacy of Over 1,000 Years

The use of gold in Assamese jewellery is documented in classical texts like the Arthashastra. The traditions blossomed further during the Ahom dynasty, when local gold sourced from riverbeds, especially the Subansiri, fueled a flourishing jewellery culture. Today, styles vary across regions—stone-studded works in Upper Assam contrast with intricate gold-only pieces from the Lower Assam belt.

What Does the GI Tag Mean?

A Geographical Indication tag distinguishes products with unique characteristics tied to their region of origin. For Assamese jewellery, it means:

• Authenticity: Protection against mass-produced imitations, ensuring only genuine Axomiya Gohona can be marketed under the name.

• Empowerment: Boosting market identity and creating new economic opportunities for nearly 1,500 artisans directly, and impacting thousands more in the broader sector.

• Cultural Pride: Elevating the international status of Assam’s heritage items and inspiring a renewed interest in traditional crafts among younger generations.

The Journey to Recognition

The GI application was led by the Gems and Jewellery Promotion Council of Assam, aided by the Assam Science and Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC), and finalized by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Intellectual Property Office. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, celebrated this “golden news” and recalled the state’s 2018-19 budget proposal that originally set this vision in motion.

Assam’s Cultural Renaissance

The GI tag for Assamese jewellery is part of a wider effort, with 19 other traditional crafts—from Bihu Dhol to Jaapi and Bodo handloom—also recognized in 2024. Taken together, these wins are projected to drive both local pride and national awareness, ensuring that Assam’s artisans have the support and protection they need in a rapidly changing market.

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Takeaway:
The GI tag is more than a certificate of origin—it’s a shield for Assam’s creative legacy and a spark for its future prosperity. As Assamese jewellery shines brighter on the world stage, each piece will continue to bear the mark not only of a place, but of a people and their indomitable heritage.