GI Products of Bihar
6 Geographical Indication tagged products originate from Bihar, spanning 4 categories.
About Bihar
Bihar sits on the Gangetic plain, crossed by the Ganga, Kosi and Gandak rivers, with Buddhist and Jain heritage at Bodh Gaya, Nalanda and Rajgir. The state has ancient roots as the seat of the Magadha and Maurya empires. Its cultural regions include Mithila in the north, famous for painting and poetry, Bhagalpur in the east, known for silk, and Magadh and Bhojpur in the south and west, each with its own dialects and food traditions.
Crafts, food and farm traditions
Bihar's GI products span art, fruit and sweets. Madhubani painting and Sikki grass work come from Mithila's women artisans, Bhagalpur is known for tussar silk and the aromatic Zardalu mango, Muzaffarpur grows the Shahi Litchi, and Silao near Nalanda is famous for its flaky khaja. Many of these crafts are practised in households and support rural women's incomes, which gives the GI a social as well as commercial purpose.
Visiting and buying
When buying from Bihar, look for cooperative shops such as those run by state handicraft bodies, and buy fruit in its short season directly from reliable sellers. Sweets like khaja are best bought fresh from established shops around Silao. This page lists the Bihar products in this catalogue, and each entry includes how to recognise the genuine article and where to buy it.
Best time to go and practical notes
October to March is the pleasant season, and Patna is the main hub. Nalanda, Rajgir and Silao form a single day-trip circuit, Bhagalpur lies on the Ganga to the east, and Mithila's painting villages are in the north around Madhubani and Darbhanga. Litchi season in Muzaffarpur falls in May and June, which is hot, so plan fruit visits early in the day. Roads can be slow in the monsoon, so allow extra time.
GI products of Bihar in this catalogue
This catalogue currently lists 6 GI products from Bihar: Madhubani Painting, Shahi Litchi of Bihar, Silao Khaja, Bhagalpuri Zardalu Mango, Sikki Grass Products, Bhagalpur Silk (Tussar). They fall into 4 categories: Agricultural, Food Stuff, Handicrafts, Textiles. The catalogue is a selection and does not include every GI registered in Bihar; recently registered products are added once they are reported and verified.
Agricultural 2
Handicrafts 2
Food Stuff 1
Textiles 1
Frequently asked questions
How many GI products from Bihar are in this catalogue?
This catalogue lists 6: Madhubani Painting, Shahi Litchi of Bihar, Silao Khaja, Bhagalpuri Zardalu Mango, Sikki Grass Products, Bhagalpur Silk (Tussar). It is a growing selection and does not include every GI registered in Bihar.
Which GI products is Bihar best known for?
Among the entries in this catalogue, the best known from Bihar are Madhubani Painting, Bhagalpur Silk (Tussar).
How can I check that a product from Bihar is genuinely GI tagged?
Check the name and place against the official GI Journal, look for the GI logo and authorised-user details, and buy from cooperatives or government emporia. Each product page lists identification tips and authentic sources.