The story
Majuli, a river island in the Brahmaputra, is home to Vaishnavite monasteries called sattras. Monks and artisans there make masks from bamboo frames coated with river clay and cloth for the Bhaona religious theatre, and paint illustrated manuscripts. Both crafts received GI registration in 2023-24.
In numbers
Majuli Mask of Assam (application 939) and Assam Majuli Manuscript Painting (application 940) were registered as GIs in 2023-24.
Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India) · 2026
GI tag
- Majuli Mask of AssamApplication no. GI Application No. 939Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Assam Majuli Manuscript PaintingApplication no. GI Application No. 940Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Online sale of GI masks as décor and gifts
- Craft workshops and island tourism stays
- Bamboo and clay raw material supply
- Museum and theatre commissions
Problems the cluster faces
- Remote island location and ferry dependence
- Floods and river erosion on Majuli
- Small number of trained mask makers
Businesses to start here
Bamboo Articles and Handicrafts →Online Folk Art and Art Gallery Marketplace →Homestay (Bed and Breakfast) →Ethno Tourism Complex →Local Handicraft and Toy Making School →