Sholapith – Bengal Known as ‘herbal ivory’, sholapith is an exquisite milky-white sponge-wood craft that weaves in auspiciousness through all rituals and ceremonies in the households and social occasions Bengal.. This eco friendly craft is practiced in Bengal & adjoining regions since centuries. Popularly referred to as Phool Shola in Bengal, Shola is an annual aquatic plant that grows in waterlogged corners of the state (mostly areasunder the Sundarban delta during the monsoon season). A natural product, it is the regular shola plant, which is Aeschynomene aspera of the family Leguminosae.The shola plant has been linked with benediction for centuries. Even today, it is a common sight in Bengali households to see shola flowers hanging at the entrance, signifying the belief that it would bring prosperity and peace.The intricate head-gears of to be-wed couples, embellished animals, peacock boats, palanquins, the much revered ‘daak -er shaaj’ of Durga idols—all stand as testimony to the vitality of sholapith. For generations, the Malakar community (artisans) has been engaged in this art form, making a living from it even today.

GI Tag Number : State : West Bengal Technique : Engraving

A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.