Kolhapuri Chappal – From Soil to Style, A Timeless Indian Legacy

🪶 What Are Kolhapuri Chappals?

Kolhapuri Chappals are handcrafted leather sandals originating from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, known for their intricate design, long-lasting quality, and deep cultural roots. Made using vegetable-tanned leather, and crafted entirely by hand—without nails or machines—these chappals are symbols of Indian rural artistry and heritage.

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🛕 When & How It Was Created

The roots of Kolhapuri Chappals trace back to the 12th century, during the reign of King Bijjala of Bidar and his visionary minister Basavanna, who encouraged artisanal work and supported the leather-working community.

The craft gained wide recognition in the early 20th century, especially under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the ruler of Kolhapur, who promoted local artisans and helped establish the chappal’s cultural and economic value.

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📍 Where Are They Made?

Kolhapuri Chappals are traditionally made in:

Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur

Karnataka: Belgaum, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur

These eight districts were awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2019, ensuring authenticity and protection for the traditional craft. The GI tag is valid until 2029 and supports the livelihoods of thousands of rural artisans.

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🧵 How Are They Made?

The making of Kolhapuri Chappals is a detailed, eco-friendly process:

Buffalo hide is tanned using natural ingredients like myrobalan, babul bark, and lime.

Artisans cut, stitch, braid, and emboss designs by hand.

No nails or machines are used in the authentic versions.

Each pair can take 1 to 6 weeks to complete depending on its design.

From light urban styles weighing ~100 grams to heavier rural versions up to 3 kg, each chappal carries the signature of its maker.

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👣 Types and Local Styles

Each village or region contributes a unique touch to the Kolhapuri tradition:

Kapashi – Soft, rounded design

Kachkadi – Narrow toe-ring style

Bakkalnali – Broad-strap, bold look

Paytaan – Symmetrical, simple design

T-strap styles – Iconic among younger generations

These styles are often decorated with hand-braided patterns, tool embossing, or colored threads, keeping the traditional spirit alive.

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🪔 Cultural Significance

Kolhapuri Chappals are not just footwear — they’re woven into the lifestyle of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Worn during:

Religious festivals

Traditional dances like Lavani

Rural weddings and family ceremonies

Daily life by farmers, saints, and elders

They symbolize simplicity, strength, and self-reliance, passed down through generations as both fashion and tradition.

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🌍 Today’s Fashion & Global Reach

From being a rural essential, Kolhapuris have stepped into the world of urban and global fashion:

Paired with jeans, sarees, kurtas, and Indo-Western outfits

Featured in fashion weeks and designer collections

Loved by conscious consumers for being eco-friendly, biodegradable, and handmade

New-age versions now come with soft insoles, pastel colors, metallic finishes, and even wedge heels, keeping tradition in sync with today’s style.

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💚 For the New Generation

Today’s youth are embracing Kolhapuris again:

As a symbol of Indian pride

For their comfort and durability

And as part of the growing trend of sustainable and ethical fashion

Craft startups, online platforms, and designers are now reimagining Kolhapuri Chappals for the 21st-century world.

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🛍️ Namma Choice – A Platform for Cultural Craftsmanship

At Namma Choice, we celebrate Indian culture through products that tell a story. Kolhapuri Chappals are more than footwear — they’re footsteps of tradition, stitched with history, heritage, and rural wisdom.

We proudly support the artisans who preserve this legacy and bring these timeless pieces to the world through our Cultural Market.