GI Tag puts Kachchh copper bells on global map, 500 designs exported
Synopsis
A GI tag has quietly transformed Kachchh's copper bell craft from a village tradition into a globally exported product. With 500 designs now in production, artisans in Jhura village are shipping to the US and UK — and government schemes are being credited for the leap.
Key Takeaways
Kachchh's copper bell craft received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag , boosting its global visibility.
Jhura village in Kachchh district is the primary hub for this craft, practised across generations.
Bells are now produced in nearly 500 different designs and exported to the US and UK .
Gujarat government schemes including Garvi Gurjari and handicraft workshops have helped artisans access new designs and wholesale markets.
The craft has evolved from cattle-neck bells to high-demand home décor items , widening its commercial appeal.
Kachchh's centuries-old copper bell craft is drawing fresh international attention after receiving the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with artisans from Jhura village in Kachchh district, Gujarat, reporting a sharp rise in orders from markets including the US and the UK. The recognition has also translated into stronger domestic demand, with the craft now produced in nearly 500 different designs.
The Craft and Its Making
A traditional Kachchh copper bell is assembled in three distinct parts — body, cap, and handle. Artisan Abhishek Lohar explained the process:
Point of View
But the real story here is execution — how Jhura village artisans converted a certification into actual export orders across 500 designs. Government schemes like Garvi Gurjari deserve credit for bridging the design and marketing gap, though the long-term test will be whether younger generations remain in the craft or migrate to urban employment. The pivot from cattle bells to home décor is commercially astute, but it also signals a cultural shift in what this craft means and who it serves.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GI tag for Kachchh copper bells?
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a certification that recognises Kachchh's copper bell craft as a product uniquely originating from the region. It protects the craft's identity and has helped boost its credibility in international markets, including the US and UK.
Where are Kachchh copper bells made?
The primary production hub is Jhura village in Kachchh district, Gujarat, where artisan families have preserved this craft for generations. The bells are shaped from iron scrap, coated with copper or brass, and fired in a furnace before finishing.
How many designs are Kachchh copper bells available in?
Kachchh copper bells are now produced in nearly 500 different designs, ranging from small decorative pieces to larger engraved bells traditionally used around the necks of cows and buffaloes.
Which government schemes have supported Kachchh copper bell artisans?
The Gujarat government's Garvi Gurjari initiative and various handicraft promotion programmes have provided artisans with government loans, design workshops, and marketing support. Artisans credit these schemes with helping them develop new designs and secure wholesale orders.
What countries import Kachchh copper bells?
Kachchh copper bells are currently exported to countries including the United States and the United Kingdom, with demand growing for both decorative home items and traditional engraved bells.
