The Geographical Indications Registry has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Ponduru Khadi, a traditional handspun and handwoven cotton fabric from Andhra Pradesh.

About Ponduru Khadi

• Origin: Ponduru village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.

• Local Name: Patnulu.

• Material Used: Hill cotton, punasa cotton, or red cotton, all indigenous to the Srikakulam region.

• Production Process: Entirely manual, from cleaning the cotton to spinning and weaving, preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Unique Features of Ponduru Khadi

1. Cleaning Method: Cotton is cleaned using the jawbone of the Valuga fish, a globally unique practice found only in Ponduru Khadi.

2. Spinning Technique: Ponduru is the only place in India where spinners use single-spindle charkhas with 24 spokes, also called the Gandhi Charkha.

3. Fineness of Fabric: The fabric has a high yarn count of 100–120, indicating extreme fineness and quality.

Historical Significance

• During the pre-Independence period, Mahatma Gandhi highlighted Ponduru Khadi in his journal Young India.

• The fabric became a symbol of self-reliance, swadeshi, and the Indian freedom movement.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• A GI tag identifies goods originating from a specific location and having distinct qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that place.

• Ponduru Khadi’s GI tag ensures the protection of its traditional identity and prevents unauthorized production elsewhere.

Recently, Ponduru Khadi has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This recognition provides legal protection to the product and highlights its cultural and economic significance.

About Ponduru Khadi

Ponduru Khadi is a renowned handspun and handwoven cotton fabric originating from Andhra Pradesh. It is locally known as Patnulu and is traditionally produced in Ponduru village, located in the Srikakulam district.

The fabric has been nominated under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme for the Srikakulam district. During the pre-independence period, Mahatma Gandhi praised the virtues of Ponduru Khadi in Young India, the national weekly edited by him.

Key Characteristics of Ponduru Khadi

Production Process

Ponduru Khadi is produced using three indigenous varieties of cotton—hill cotton, punasa cotton, and red cotton. The cotton is locally grown in and around the Srikakulam district.

The entire process, from raw cotton to finished fabric, is carried out manually, preserving traditional techniques.

Unique Features of Ponduru Khadi

Traditional Cotton Cleaning

A distinctive feature of Ponduru Khadi is the cleaning of cotton using the jawbone of the Valuga fish, a practice that is unique to Ponduru and not followed anywhere else in the world.

Spinning Technique

Ponduru is the only place in India where spinners still use single-spindle charkhas with 24 spokes, popularly known as the “Gandhi Charkha”.

High Yarn Count

The final fabric has a very high yarn count, ranging between 100 and 120 counts, giving Ponduru Khadi its fine texture and superior quality.

Significance of the GI Tag

The GI tag helps in protecting the traditional knowledge of local artisans, preventing misuse of the name Ponduru Khadi, and enhancing market access for weavers. It also promotes rural livelihoods, handloom heritage, and sustainable textile practices.