JamesTex at 05:42, 21 January 2025

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{{Short description|Type of Brinjal variety from Uttar Pradesh, India}}
{{Infobox geographical indication
| name = Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal) - रामनगर भंटा
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| alternative names =
| description =Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal) is a brinjal variety cultivated in [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| type =Brinjal
| area = Ramnagar, Varanasi district with other districts of Mirzapur, Chandauli and Sonbhadra
| country = [[India]]
| registered = 31 March 2023
| material =
| official website ={{URL|https://search.ipindia.gov.in/GirPublic/Application/Details/717|ipindia.gov.in}}}}

'''Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal)''' is a variety of [[brinjal]] grown in the [[State of India|Indian state]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Banarasi Paan and 4 other products get GI tag |url=https://www.zeebiz.com/trending/news-banarasi-paan-gi-tag-geographical-indication-langda-mango-ramnagar-bhanta-228986 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=Zee Business |date=4 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404081743/https://www.zeebiz.com/trending/news-banarasi-paan-gi-tag-geographical-indication-langda-mango-ramnagar-bhanta-228986 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a common and widely cultivated crop in areas like [[Ramnagar, Varanasi|Ramnagar]] in [[Varanasi district]] along with the entire district and other districts of [[Mirzapur district|Mirzapur]], [[Chandauli district|Chandauli]] and [[Sonbhadra district|Sonbhadra]].<ref name=":7"/>

Under its [[Geographical Indications in India|Geographical Indication]] tag, it is referred to as "Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal)".

==Name==
Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal) is a prized vegetable crop in Ramnagar and so named after it.<ref>{{cite news |title=Three agri products from Varanasi likely to get GI tag soon |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/three-agri-products-from-varanasi-likely-to-get-gi-tag-soon/story-9t45YN9fTTwgdjNN8DwJ3I.html |access-date=29 December 2024 |agency=Hindustan Times |archive-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201070311/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/three-agri-products-from-varanasi-likely-to-get-gi-tag-soon/story-9t45YN9fTTwgdjNN8DwJ3I.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=PM promoting Varanasi GI products augurs well for the region: Expert |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/pm-promoting-varanasi-gi-products-augurs-well-for-the-region-expert-101658941293759.html |access-date=29 December 2024 |agency=Hindustan Times |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130225754/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/pm-promoting-varanasi-gi-products-augurs-well-for-the-region-expert-101658941293759.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The word "Bhanta" means brinjal and also referred to names like Baigan and Bhanta or Bhata in the local state language of [[Hindi]].<ref name=":4"/>

==Description==
The Ramnagar Bhanta is a unique variety of brinjal (eggplant) grown in the Varanasi region. It is highly sought after for its exclusive Chokha ([[Baingan bharta|Bharta]]) preparation. The fruit is a pendent, fleshy berry, borne singly or in clusters, with varying shapes (ovoid, oblong, obovoid, or long cylindrical) and colors (purple, purple-black, yellowish, white, green, and variegated). One of the unique features of Ramnagar Bhanta is its ability to increase in size significantly during foggy winter weather, growing up to 2 kgs or more.<ref name=":7">{{cite news |title=Adamchini rice, huge RamnangarBhanta next on export promotion |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/adamchini-rice-huge-ramnangarbhanta-next-on-export-promotion/articleshow/79787151.cms |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=The Times of India |date=18 December 2020}}</ref> Notable varieties of Ramnagar Bhanta include the Ramnagar Giant and KS-233.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Reddy |first1=P. P. |title=Fungal Diseases And Their Management In Horticultural Crops |date=1 June 2010 |publisher=Scientific Publishers |isbn=978-93-86347-61-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UMs4DwAAQBAJ&dq=Ramnagar+giant&pg=PA131 |access-date=29 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Management of Fruit Rot of Brinjal Caused by Phomopsis vexans through Fungicides, Plant Extract and Host Plant Resistance |url=https://www.ijcmas.com/special/7/Savita%20Ekka,%20et%20al.pdf |website=International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) |access-date=29 December 2024 |archive-date=3 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903235812/https://ijcmas.com/special/7/Savita%20Ekka%2C%20et%20al.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Both of these varieties have shown resistance to [[Phomopsis blight of juniper|Phomopsis blight]] and moderate resistance to fruit rot.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gupta |first1=Satish K. |last2=Thind |first2=T. S. |title=Disease Problems in Vegetable Production, 2nd Ed. |date=1 April 2018 |publisher=Scientific Publishers |isbn=978-93-87991-99-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f6F2DwAAQBAJ&dq=Ramnagar+brinjal&pg=PA394 |access-date=29 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Agriculture and Animal Husbandry |date=1951 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Oi8aAAAAIAAJ&q=Ramnagar+brinjal |access-date=29 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Karuppaiah |first1=G. Samlind Sujin P. |title=HETEROSIS BREEDING IN BRINJAL FOR YIELD AND FRUIT AND SHOOT BORER TOLERANCE |publisher=Archers & Elevators Publishing House |isbn=978-93-90996-05-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WSf5EAAAQBAJ&dq=Ramnagar+brinjal&pg=PA19 |access-date=29 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

The Ramnagar Bhanta is a warm and winter season crop, which can grow up to 2-2.5 kg or more in a single piece.<ref>{{cite news |title=2023 IPR NOTEWORTHY JUDGEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS |url=https://www.theippress.com/2024/01/07/2023-ipr-noteworthy-judgements-and-developments-the-ip-press/ |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=The IP Press |date=7 January 2024}}</ref> It is grown in the [[Gangetic Plain]] area of Varanasi and nearby districts (Mirzapur, Chandauli, and Sonebhadra). The special characteristics of soil and water in the region support its growth. Local farmers have preserved this landrace and proudly grow it with quality. They use traditional methods for seed selection, choosing yellow-colored brinjals for seed purposes. The Ramnagar Bhanta is rich in vitamins, minerals, and has high nutritive value.

The Lota Bhanta Mela, a traditional fair, is held on the outskirts of Varanasi in Rameshwaram teerth, Harhua, near the [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport]]. The origins of the Lota Bhanta Mela date back several centuries to its founder, Lotum Bhatt. Over time, the name evolved into "Lota-Bhanta." This transformation is mirrored in the symbolic ceremonial rituals that have developed around the fair. Devotees offer brinjals and clay pots to the presiding deity, while many others roast brinjals over an open flame, pairing them with rotis cooked on-site.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sukul |first1=Kuber Nath |title=Varanasi Down the Ages |date=1974 |publisher=Kameshwar Nath Sukul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y2luAAAAMAAJ&dq=lota+bhanta+mela+varanasi&pg=PA253 |access-date=29 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref> The fair attracts pilgrims from surrounding villages who gather to enjoy a simple meal of roti and roasted brinjal (bhanta).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Vertul |title=Banaras: A journey into the heart of the city |date=30 May 2024 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |isbn=978-93-5708-870-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h84KEQAAQBAJ&dq=bhanta+brinjal+lota&pg=PT175 |access-date=29 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Interestingly, the name "Lota Bhanta" is also linked to the traditional cooking method, where brinjals are cooked in earthen pots (lota) over a cowdung fire. The term "lota" refers to an earthen pot or pitcher, and "bhanta" means brinjal.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |title=Cultural News from India |date=1981 |publisher=Indian Council for Cultural Relations. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qkAFAAAAMAAJ&q=bhanta+brinjal+lota |access-date=29 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref> The Ramnagar Bhanta holds significant cultural value, being a staple dish during the famous Ramnagar [[Ramlila]], where thousands gather to watch the performance. [[Litti (dish)|Bati-Chokha]], made with Ramnagar Bhanta, is a traditional and favorite dish in the region.

==Geographical indication==
It was awarded the [[List of geographical indications in India|Geographical Indication]] (GI) status tag from the [[Geographical Indication Registry (India)|Geographical Indications Registry]], under the [[Government of India|Union Government of India]], on 31 March 2023 and is valid until 3 November 2030.<ref>{{cite news |title=Banarasi Paan and langda mango, among others, receive GI tag |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/banarasi-paan-and-langda-mango-among-others-receive-gi-tag-10359511.html |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=Moneycontrol |archive-date=17 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017015524/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/banarasi-paan-and-langda-mango-among-others-receive-gi-tag-10359511.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Kashi Vishwanath Farmer Producer Company from [[Varanasi]], proposed the GI registration of Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal).<ref name=":7"/> After filing the application in November 2020, the Brinjal was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in [[Chennai]], making the name "Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal)" exclusive to the Brinjal grown in the region. It thus became the first brinjal variety from Uttar Pradesh and the 45th type of goods from Uttar Pradesh to earn the GI tag.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bajpai |first1=Namita |title=Pride of UP: Banarasi Langda, paan among 10 products to get GI tag |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/Apr/04/pride-of-up-banarasi-langda-paan-among-10-products-to-get-gi-tag-2562512.html |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=The New Indian Express |date=4 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208040052/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/Apr/04/pride-of-up-banarasi-langda-paan-among-10-products-to-get-gi-tag-2562512.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The GI tag protects the brinjal from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sweet Pride of Varanasi: Banarasi Paan, Langda Aam, Two Other Products Get GI Tag |url=https://www.news18.com/india/sweet-pride-of-varanasi-banarasi-paan-langda-aam-two-other-products-get-gi-tag-recognition-7461901.html |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=News18 |language=en |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411082538/https://www.news18.com/india/sweet-pride-of-varanasi-banarasi-paan-langda-aam-two-other-products-get-gi-tag-recognition-7461901.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Jalgaon Bharit Brinjal]]
* [[Agsechi Vayingim (Agassaim Brinjal)]]
* [[Vellore Spiny brinjal]]
* [[Nayagarh Kanteimundi brinjal]]
* [[Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf)]]
* [[Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Red Pickle chilli)]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Eggplants]]
[[Category:Indian cuisine]]
[[Category:Uttar Pradeshi cuisine]]
[[Category:GI Tagged Brinjal varieties of India]]
[[Category:Economy of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Varanasi district]]
[[Category:Geographical indications in Uttar Pradesh]]

Ramnagar Bhanta - Revision history

JamesTex at 05:42, 21 January 2025