.BERRYBEAT.

The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is meant to protect traditional crafts by legally recognizing their regional identity. Yet, the story of the Madhubani GI tag failure India reveals a complex reality where the protection of a name does not always translate into benefits for the artisans themselves.

Varanasi once thrived with an estimated 1.2 million handloom weavers, a community that carried the legacy of weaving for ten generations. Today, this number has drastically fallen. Families who once wove exquisite Banarasi silk saris now send their children to cities to work in factories. The income from handloom weaving no longer supports a sustainable life. This blog explores the deep-rooted Indian handloom weavers poverty crisis, the exploitation faced by Banarasi silk wea