By Vashishth Academy | Best IAS & PCS Coaching Institute in Ludhiana
📰 Why in News?
Ker Sangri, a traditional Rajasthani dish rooted in the Thar Desert’s harsh terrain, has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, placing it among India’s officially recognized regional specialties.
This is important for UPSC Prelims, State PCS (especially RAS, BPSC, UPPCS), and SSC General Awareness sections.
🌵 What is Ker Sangri?
Ker Sangri is a unique dry sabzi made from:
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Ker – Small, sour desert berries
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Sangri – Bean-like pods from the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria)
It is considered a culinary and ecological marvel of Rajasthan, commonly prepared in arid regions where water and vegetables are scarce.
🧑🍳 Traditional Preparation
The preparation of Ker Sangri is labor-intensive and passed down through generations:
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Ker berries are bitter and require proper soaking and boiling
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Cooked with:
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Sangri pods
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Curd
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Rajasthani spices like dry red chillies, turmeric, and amchur
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Often slow-cooked in clay pots, enhancing the earthy flavors
🍽️ Best Served With:
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Bajra Roti
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Desi Ghee
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Accompanied by lassi or chaach
🌿 Nutritional & Health Benefits
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✅ High dietary fibre
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✅ Low in fat & cholesterol
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✅ Rich in minerals, antioxidants, and iron
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✅ Aids digestion and improves gut health
Its sustainability and climate-resilient ingredients make it both healthy and environmentally friendly.
🌳 Cultural Significance of the Khejri Tree
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The Khejri tree is known as the “Kalpavriksha of the Desert”
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Revered by the Bishnoi community, who protect it as part of their ecological tradition
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Mentioned in Rajasthan’s folk songs, rituals, and even in stories of sacrifice (e.g. Chipko Movement-style protests)
🏷️ About GI Tag
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag:
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Identifies products with unique origin-based qualities
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Legally protects the brand value of local products
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Boosts rural economy and tourism
Other GI Tags from Rajasthan (Useful for Exams):
| Product | Region |
|---|---|
| Blue Pottery | Jaipur |
| Kathputli (Puppets) | Rajasthan |
| Bikaneri Bhujia | Bikaner |
| Kota Doria Sarees | Kota |
📚 Why It Matters for Competitive Exams
This topic is important under:
✅ UPSC GS I – Art & Culture
✅ State PCS – Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, etc.
✅ SSC GK
✅ NDA/CDS/CAPF General Awareness
🧠 Exam Pointers
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Ker Sangri is made from Ker berries and Sangri pods
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Sangri comes from the Khejri tree – also Rajasthan’s state tree
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Protected by Bishnoi community
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Recently received the GI tag
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Traditional pairing: Bajra roti + ghee
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