RISA TEXTILE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Tripura's traditional attire, 'Risa,' has been officially granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) registration.

Risa Textile

• About: Risa is a handwoven cloth used as a female upper garment and headgear, stole, or present to express respect.
• Significance: It is woven in colorful designs and holds crucial social and religious significance.
• Adolescent Tradition: Adolescent Tripuri girls receive a risa around age 12 to 14 in an event called Risa Sormani.
• Religious Relevance: Risa is utilized in various religious contexts like Garia Puja, weddings, festivals, and as winter attire.
• Symbol of Honor: It is presented as a mark of honor to distinguished recipients.
• Tribal Tradition: Risa is common among all 19 indigenous tribal communities of Tripura.
• Components of Traditional Attire: Risa, Rignai, and Rikutu.

oRisa in Attire: It serves as the female upper garment in traditional Tripuri attire.

oRignai: Meaning 'to wear,' is primarily worn as the lower garment.

oRituku: It is used as a wrap or head covering, akin to a 'chunri' or 'pallu' of the Indian saree.

• Historical Roots: The complete Tripuri attire, including risa, rignai, and rikutu, traces its origins to the time of the Manikya kings, who ruled Tripura for over 500 years from the 15th century.

GI Tag

• About: It is a symbol used on items that come from a particular geographical area and have qualities or a reputation linked to that place of origin.
• Nodal Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Tenure: 10 Years
• Regulated By: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
• India’s First GI Product: Darjeeling Tea (2004-05)