The renowned craftsmanship of Miraj, a small town nestled in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, has received prestigious recognition for its sitars and tanpuras with the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
Crafted by skilled artisans, these instruments have long been sought after by prominent classical musicians and Bollywood artists alike. The GI tag, denoting their origin from a specific geographical area, not only underscores their cultural significance but also enhances their commercial value.
With a heritage spanning over three centuries and seven generations of craftsmen, Miraj boasts a rich tradition in the art of making sitars and tanpuras. According to Mohsin Mirajkar, chairman of the Miraj Musical Instruments Cluster, the recent issuance of the GI tag by the government of India’s intellectual property office marks a significant milestone for the town's artisans.
The Miraj Musical Instruments Cluster serves as the apex body for both sitar and tanpura makers in the town, with more than 450 craftsmen engaged in the production of these musical treasures. However, despite the high demand, resources remain limited locally, leading to the alleged sale of non-Miraj products under false pretenses.
To address this issue, Mirajkar explained that the pursuit of the GI tag began in 2021, culminating in its recent acquisition. The craftsmanship extends beyond the town's borders, with wood sourced from Karnataka's forests and pumpkin gourds from Maharashtra's Solapur district.
Each month, the cluster produces approximately 60 to 70 sitars and around 100 tanpuras, catering to various clientele including renowned classical singers and film industry icons. Notable patrons have included legends like Ustad Abdul Karim Khan Saheb, late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, and more recently, the esteemed Rashid Khan.
Furthermore, artists such as Shubha Mudgal and Bollywood singers like Javed Ali, Hariharan, Sonu Nigam, and A R Rahman have also favored instruments made in Miraj.
Mirajkar traced the origin of Miraj's instrument-making tradition back to the Adilshahi period when skilled workers transitioned from weapon-making to crafting musical instruments. Patronage from the princely state of Miraj further nurtured this art form, leading to its flourishing through the centuries.
Follow us
