Madhya Pradesh's Khurasani Imli Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

The Khurasani Imli (Khorasani Imli) of Mandin Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, providing legal recognition to one of India's most unique heritage fruits. The GI tag is expected to promote conservation of the species and improve livelihood opportunities for local tribal communities that have protected and cultivated it for generations.

Contrary to its name, Khurasani Imli is not a tamarind (Imli). It is the fruit of the Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), a species native to Africa that has been growing in Mandfor centuries.

The GI recognition highlights the fruit's unique geographical identity, cultural heritage, and medicinal value while providing protection against unauthorized commercial use.

What is Khurasani Imli?

Local Name: Khurasani Imli / Mandki Imli

Scientific Name of Tree: Adansonia digitata

Tree Type: Baobab Tree

Native Origin: Africa and Madagascar

Major Location in India: Mandu, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh

Known for:

High Vitamin-C content

Rich antioxidants

Medicinal properties

Long lifespan of trees

Unique taste and thirst-quenching ability

Why is it Called Khurasani Imli?

The name is believed to be derived from Khorasan, a historical region covering parts of present-day Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. Historians believe that the seeds may have been brought to Mandby Arab traders or Afghan rulers centuries ago.

How is Khurasani Imli Different from Regular Tamarind?

FeatureKhurasani ImliRegular Tamarind

Source PlantBaobab TreeTamarind Tree

Scientific NameAdansonia digitataTamarindus indica

OriginAfricaTropical Africa

Major Use Medicinal and nutritionalCulinary

Vitamin C ContentVery HighModerate

Tree LifespanUp to 2,000 yearsAround 200 years

ShapeLarge bottle-shaped treeNormal canopy tree

Why is it Important?

Protects a unique agro-biodiversity heritage of India.

Promotes conservation of the rare Baobab species.

Enhances income opportunities for tribal communities, especially the Bhil tribe.

Supports rural entrepreneurship and tourism in Mandu.

Strengthens India's portfolio of GI-tagged products.

Additional Key Facts

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Governed by: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

Came into force: 2003

GI Registry Headquarters: Chennai

Administered by: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Benefits of GI Tag

Legal protection against imitation.

Enhances marketability and exports.

Preserves traditional knowledge and heritage.

Improves income of local producers.

Promotes regional branding.

Baobab Tree (Adansonia digitata)

Commonly called the "Tree of Life".

Can store thousands of litres of water in its trunk.

Lifespan may exceed 2,000 years.

Listed among the world's most iconic drought-resistant trees.

Provides:

Food

Fibre

Traditional medicine

Livelihood support.

Mand(Mandavgarh)

Located in Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh.

Historic capital of the Malwa Sultanate.

Famous for:

Jahaz Mahal

Rani Roopmati Pavilion

Baz Bahadur Palace

Known as the "City of Joy" and famous for its Afghan architecture.

GI-Tagged Products of Madhya Pradesh

Some important GI-tagged products include:

Chanderi Saree

Maheshwari Saree

Kadaknath Chicken

Ratlami Sev

Bagh Print

Gwalior Handmade Carpet

Khurasani Imli (latest addition)

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes)

Product in News → Khurasani Imli

GI Tag Granted To → Khurasani Imli of Mandu

State → Madhya Pradesh

District → Dhar

Associated Tree → Baobab Tree

Scientific Name → Adansonia digitata

Native Region → Africa

Tribal Community Associated → Bhil Tribe

GI Law → GI Act, 1999

GI Registry → Chennai

Historical Region Linked to Name → Khorasan