Axomiya Gohona: Assam’s Glorious Handcrafted Jewellery Earns the GI Tag

Axomiya Gohona: Assam’s Glorious Handcrafted Jewellery Earns the GI Tag. In a moment of immense pride for Assam and India’s rich cultural heritage, Axomiya Gohona, the traditional handcrafted jewellery of Assam, has officially received the Geographical Indication tag. This recognition not only secures the unique identity of Axomiya Gohona but also preserves a tradition that has been growing for over a thousand years.
Keeping the Craft Alive
Axomiya Gohona isn't just jewellery—it is an embodiment of Assam’s history, artistry, and tradition. These intricate gold ornaments, dating back more than a millennium, are deeply rooted in the region’s cultural fabric. Each design draws inspiration from the natural beauty and cultural motifs of Assam, including flora, fauna, traditional instruments, and symbolic artefacts.
Among the most iconic motifs are:
• Lokaparo (twin pigeons)
• Hensorai (eagle)
• Jethi (lizard)
• Jun (crescent moon)
• Dhols (drums)
• Juripepa (pipes)
• Japi (bamboo headgear)
• Bena (boats)
These motifs are skillfully crafted using vibrant enamel work and gemstones in shades of red, black, green, blue, and white, making each piece a work of living art. Not merely ornamental, Axomiya Gohona serves as a storyteller, echoing centuries of cultural expression.
From Ancient Texts to Royal Patronage
The recent GI application, filed in 2022 by the Gems and Jewelry Promotion Council of Assam (GJPCA) with support from the Assam Science and Technology and Environmental Council (ASTEC), firmly roots the jewellery’s origins in history.
Evidence of gold craftsmanship in Assam can be traced back to ancient texts like Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which references Suvarnakudya (goldsmiths) in Kamarupa, the ancient name for Assam. The Ahom dynasty further nurtured this heritage, especially along the Subansiri River, known as the “Flow of Gold” due to the thriving gold-washing activities by the Sonowal Kacharis, a gold-washing tribal community.
Historical publications like:
• The Gold Silver Wares of Assam (1905)
• Notes on Some Industries of Assam (1896)
• A Cultural History of Assam (1951)
also validate the longstanding tradition and craftsmanship of Axomiya Gohona.
Designs that Withstand Time
Today, 24 unique designs of Axomiya Gohona continue to be worn with pride, while 9 others, though rare or forgotten, are still recognized for their artistic value. The GI tag aims to revive these designs, encouraging artisans to continue crafting them and ensuring their place in the future of global jewellery trends.
Historical Roots: From Ancient Texts to Riverbeds
The jewellery-making tradition in Assam is not a recent discovery. The GI application, filed in 2022 by the Gems and Jewelry Promotion Council of Assam (GJPCA) and facilitated by the Assam Science and Technology and Environmental Council (ASTEC), points to several sources confirming this age-old art.
For instance, Kautilya’s Arthashastra—one of the oldest treatises on economics and governance—mentions Suvarnakudya, or gold ornaments, in the context of ancient Kamarupa, the historical name for Assam. During the reign of the Ahom dynasty, gold-washing along the Subansiri River flourished, with the river literally translating to “flow of gold.” The Sonowal Kacharis, a community traditionally involved in extracting gold from riverbeds, played a key role in supplying raw materials for the craft.
Several important literary and research works also document this legacy, including:
• The Gold Silver Wares of Assam (1905)
• A Cultural History of Assam (1951)
• Notes on Some Industries of Assam (1896)
These documents not only establish the historical presence of the jewellery craft but also highlight its socio-economic role in Assamese society.
GI Tag: A Global Glow for Assam
The GI tag acts as a certification of authenticity, linking Axomiya Gohona to its geographical origin and protecting it from imitation. More than a legal safeguard, it’s a beacon for cultural tourism, artisan recognition, and economic upliftment. This step puts Assam’s craftsmanship on the global stage, shining a spotlight on the artisans and their ancestral skill.
A Boost for Assam’s Economy and Identity
The GI tag is not merely a certificate; it’s a powerful tool for socio-economic development. With proper promotion and government support, this recognition can boost exports, create new jobs, and draw global attention to Assamese craftsmanship.
Moreover, the tag ensures legal protection under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. This enables authentic producers to benefit economically while preserving their cultural identity.
Conclusion
The GI tag bestowed on Axomiya Gohona is more than just an acknowledgment of geographical origin. It is a heartfelt tribute to the artisans, historians, and cultural custodians who have kept this thousand-year-old tradition alive through the ages.
As Assam celebrates this glittering milestone, the world is reminded of the power of heritage, the value of craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of a tradition that has been lovingly passed down, generation to generation.
Axomiya Gohona is not just jewellery. It is a legacy—certified, protected, and now, ready to shine on the global stage.

In a moment of immense pride for Assam and India’s rich cultural heritage, Axomiya Gohona, the traditional handcrafted jewellery of Assam, has officially received the Geographical Indication tag. This recognition not only secures the unique identity of Axomiya Gohona but also preserves a tradition that has been growing for over a thousand years.

Keeping the Craft Alive

Axomiya Gohona isn't just jewellery—it is an embodiment of Assam’s history, artistry, and tradition. These intricate gold ornaments, dating back more than a millennium, are deeply rooted in the region’s cultural fabric. Each design draws inspiration from the natural beauty and cultural motifs of Assam, including flora, fauna, traditional instruments, and symbolic artefacts.

Among the most iconic motifs are:

• Lokaparo (twin pigeons)

• Hensorai (eagle)

• Jethi (lizard)

• Jun (crescent moon)

• Dhols (drums)

• Juripepa (pipes)

• Japi (bamboo headgear)

• Bena (boats)

These motifs are skillfully crafted using vibrant enamel work and gemstones in shades of red, black, green, blue, and white, making each piece a work of living art. Not merely ornamental, Axomiya Gohona serves as a storyteller, echoing centuries of cultural expression.

From Ancient Texts to Royal Patronage

The recent GI application, filed in 2022 by the Gems and Jewelry Promotion Council of Assam (GJPCA) with support from the Assam Science and Technology and Environmental Council (ASTEC), firmly roots the jewellery’s origins in history.

Evidence of gold craftsmanship in Assam can be traced back to ancient texts like Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which references Suvarnakudya (goldsmiths) in Kamarupa, the ancient name for Assam. The Ahom dynasty further nurtured this heritage, especially along the Subansiri River, known as the “Flow of Gold” due to the thriving gold-washing activities by the Sonowal Kacharis, a gold-washing tribal community.

Historical publications like:

• The Gold Silver Wares of Assam (1905)

• Notes on Some Industries of Assam (1896)

• A Cultural History of Assam (1951)

also validate the longstanding tradition and craftsmanship of Axomiya Gohona.

Designs that Withstand Time

Today, 24 unique designs of Axomiya Gohona continue to be worn with pride, while 9 others, though rare or forgotten, are still recognized for their artistic value. The GI tag aims to revive these designs, encouraging artisans to continue crafting them and ensuring their place in the future of global jewellery trends.

Historical Roots: From Ancient Texts to Riverbeds

The jewellery-making tradition in Assam is not a recent discovery. The GI application, filed in 2022 by the Gems and Jewelry Promotion Council of Assam (GJPCA) and facilitated by the Assam Science and Technology and Environmental Council (ASTEC), points to several sources confirming this age-old art.

For instance, Kautilya’s Arthashastra—one of the oldest treatises on economics and governance—mentions Suvarnakudya, or gold ornaments, in the context of ancient Kamarupa, the historical name for Assam. During the reign of the Ahom dynasty, gold-washing along the Subansiri River flourished, with the river literally translating to “flow of gold.” The Sonowal Kacharis, a community traditionally involved in extracting gold from riverbeds, played a key role in supplying raw materials for the craft.

Several important literary and research works also document this legacy, including:

• The Gold Silver Wares of Assam (1905)

• A Cultural History of Assam (1951)

• Notes on Some Industries of Assam (1896)

These documents not only establish the historical presence of the jewellery craft but also highlight its socio-economic role in Assamese society.

GI Tag: A Global Glow for Assam

The GI tag acts as a certification of authenticity, linking Axomiya Gohona to its geographical origin and protecting it from imitation. More than a legal safeguard, it’s a beacon for cultural tourism, artisan recognition, and economic upliftment. This step puts Assam’s craftsmanship on the global stage, shining a spotlight on the artisans and their ancestral skill.

A Boost for Assam’s Economy and Identity

The GI tag is not merely a certificate; it’s a powerful tool for socio-economic development. With proper promotion and government support, this recognition can boost exports, create new jobs, and draw global attention to Assamese craftsmanship.

Moreover, the tag ensures legal protection under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. This enables authentic producers to benefit economically while preserving their cultural identity.

Conclusion

The GI tag bestowed on Axomiya Gohona is more than just an acknowledgment of geographical origin. It is a heartfelt tribute to the artisans, historians, and cultural custodians who have kept this thousand-year-old tradition alive through the ages.

As Assam celebrates this glittering milestone, the world is reminded of the power of heritage, the value of craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of a tradition that has been lovingly passed down, generation to generation.

Axomiya Gohona is not just jewellery. It is a legacy—certified, protected, and now, ready to shine on the global stage.