Marble sourced from Ambaji, the holy pilgrimage site and Shaktipeeth in Gujarat, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Centre for the high-quality white stone extracted from its soil, an official announced on Friday.
The Geographical Indications Registry, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, registered the tag under the name of the Ambaji Marbles Quarry and Factory Association, Ambaji, in Banaskantha district. The GI tag is a status, which is given to a product that possesses unique quality or characteristics due to its specific geographical origin. Banaskantha District Collector Mihir Patel said, "The Government of India has granted the prestigious GI tag to the pure white marble sourced from the sacred land of Ambaji. Along with its spiritual significance, Ambaji Shaktipeeth has now earned a distinguished place on the global map of the marble industry." He congratulated the people of Banaskantha and the Ambaji Marbles Quarry and Factory Association for achieving this remarkable milestone. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hailed the GI tag for Ambaji marble on social media platform X. "Getting the GI tag for Ambaji Marble is a matter of joy and pride for Gujarat. Ambaji marble is known for its unique shine and beauty, and it has been especially used in the construction of religious sites for many years," he noted.
He maintained that with the GI tag, Ambaji marble now possesses its own distinct brand image in the global market. This is expected to increase demand for Ambaji marble in national and international markets, boosting local industries and encouraging artisans. Speaking to reporters, Ambaji-based white marble industrialist Kiranbhai Trivedi confirmed that a GI tag is only granted to products of high quality. He mentioned that the marble mines in Ambaji are 1,200–1,500 years old, dating back to when the Dilwara Jain Temple (in Mount Abu in adjoining Rajasthan) was constructed.
He said the majestic temple stands as living proof of the exceptional quality of Ambaji marble. "Even after so many years, it (the Dilwara Jain Temple) has remained unchanged. In comparison, even the stones of the Taj Mahal show signs of ageing, but Ambaji marble has never lost its purity," Trivedi noted.
The white marble extracted from Ambaji mines is strong and rich in calcium. It is believed this marble was also used in the making of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya because of its durability. According to a recent survey, Ambaji's white marble contains elements such as silicon oxide and calcium oxide.
The businessman also pointed out that this white marble has been used for constructing various temples abroad in Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, New Zealand, and England. The GI tag helps legally protect the unique identity and authenticity of a product, boosting its market value and export potential.
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