Jharkhand’s iconic Mandar drum has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the Chief Minister’s Office announced on September 29.

The Mandar, a barrel-shaped percussion instrument central to Adivasi ritual and celebration, anchors everything from sowing songs to wedding processions and the Sarhul spring festival dances of the Oraon, Munda and Ho communities.

The GI tag, granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, legally ties the instrument to its place of origin, shielding it from imitation and giving genuine artisans a market edge.

It joins a growing GI portfolio for the state that includes Sohrai Khovar painting, Kuchai Silk and Dokra craft.

For Mandar makers in Jharkhand’s tribal belts, the recognition could mean the difference between a living craft and a dying one, offering better prices and stronger protection against copies. The GI application had been in the works for years, with artisan groups and the state government building the case for the drum’s unique craftsmanship. Officials say the tag should help Mandar makers command better prices and open up new markets for authentic instruments.