Hatagram Conch Shell Craft

Name: Hatagram Conch Shell Craft
Brand: Producer association pending — see the official GI Journal for authorised users

Registry facts for Hatagram Conch Shell Craft
GI number	GI Registered · 2026
Verified cooperatives	Producer association pending — see the official GI Journal for authorised users
State	West Bengal

About Hatagram Conch Shell Craft

Hatagram Conch Shell Craft, or Sankha Shilpa, is the handcrafted conch shell work of Bankura district, West Bengal, reported under the name Hatagram in one source and Hato village in another. Artisans turn sea shells into bangles, decorative pieces and ritual items. Shell bangles, called shankha, are worn by married Hindu women in Bengal, often paired with red coral bangles, so the craft has steady cultural demand.

Heritage and place

Conch shells have been worked in Bengal for centuries, with Bankura and Kolkata among the places known for shell workers. The shell is central to Bengali ritual: it is blown at the start of ceremonies and worn at weddings. The craft was reported as registered for a GI in 2026, a recognition of shell workers who often work in small family units and face competition from plastic bangles.

How it is made

Shells are cleaned, then cut with a saw into rings or slices, filed smooth and polished. Finer work adds carved patterns or gilded and painted decoration. Cutting is exacting because a slip can crack the shell, and the dust is a health concern, so good workshops use ventilation and masks. Bangles are sized by hand to fit the wearer's wrist, which is why fittings matter.

Registry record

Hatagram Conch Shell Craft is a Geographical Indication tagged product of West Bengal in the handicrafts category, reported as newly registered in 2026; a confirmed registration number is not yet listed here. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Hatagram Conch Shell Craft

What to check

Real shell feels cool and slightly heavy, with faint natural striations and a pearly gloss, while plastic feels warm and light and looks uniform. Ask whether the shell is genuine conch and where it was cut. Buy from Bankura workshops or reputable emporia, handle gently since shell chips, and check the seller's authorised status in the GI Journal, because the registration is new and the place name is reported two ways.

General guidance, not the registered specification: real shell feels cool and slightly heavy with faint natural striations, while plastic feels warm, light and perfectly uniform. The registration was reported in 2026, so confirm authorised sellers in the GI Journal.

Where to buy

Authorised producers for this recent registration are not yet listed in our dataset. Check the GI Journal entry for authorised users, and prefer government emporia and cooperatives in West Bengal.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI Registered · 2026 · West Bengal · reviewed 2026-10-02

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Hatagram Conch Shell Craft?

Hatagram Conch Shell Craft was reported as newly registered in 2026. This catalogue does not yet list a confirmed registration number, so check the official GI Journal for the entry.

Where is Hatagram Conch Shell Craft made?

Hatagram Conch Shell Craft is produced in West Bengal, in the handicrafts category of this catalogue.

Can Hatagram Conch Shell Craft legally be made outside West Bengal?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of West Bengal may legally sell goods under the name “Hatagram Conch Shell Craft”.

How can I spot a fake Hatagram Conch Shell Craft?

General guidance, not the registered specification: real shell feels cool and slightly heavy with faint natural striations, while plastic feels warm, light and perfectly uniform. The registration was reported in 2026, so confirm authorised sellers in the GI Journal.