GI Tag for Chikri Wood Craft of Rajouri

Jammu has got 2nd GI Tag for "Chikri Wood of Rajouri" an initiatives by Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu, Industries and Commerce UT of J&K.

Department of Industries and Commerce J&K has achived yet another milestone by getting 2nd Geographical Indication Tag for Chikri wood products of District Rajouri seviced by Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu.

The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu under the able leadership of Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce department, Sh. Vikramjeet singh, IPS, has taken steps to revive the languishing craft of district Rajouri. Thus, increased the periphery of artisans registred with the Department upto 210 no. along with registration of various Cooperative societies of Chikri Wood craft with Department.

Chikri is a pale, honey coloured soft wood found in hill ranges of Rajouri & Poonch districts of Jammu province. Thanamandi region in district Rajouri is epicenter of this craft. Chikri is a type of ivory coloured wood that is smooth in texture, and it is directly linked with the craft making process with their unique and soft surface free of grainy surface. It is very durable & light therefore its products can withstand temperature fluctuations while being easily transported to other parts of world.

This craft is practiced in this region and is one of the main sources of livelihood to the artisans of Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the first craft of Rajouri available on E-commerce websites like Amazon etc. Chikri wood craft products range is very wide, include double sided comb (Kangi), Khadaun (wooden sandals), jewellery boxes, photo frame, statues spoon, table, knives, tooth picks, bowels, cups, wall watches, ash trays, God and Goddess statues, khalmusal, kharau, sandals and various decorative materials has been made by the traditional artisans since generations.

After Basohli Paintings of Kathua district, getting the GI tag for chikri wood is a Milestone achieved and a moment to celebrate. The efforts of the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu are still on for revival of chikri wood craft and upliftment of artisans related to the craft.