Friday, March 15, 2024

117. Kolhapuri Chappal

Kolhapuri chappals is a traditional Indian decorative hand-crafted and braided leather slipper practiced by chamers of Maharashtra and Karnataka. They are renowned for their aesthetically pleasing look of open Indian footwear and recognized for its decorative woven pattern. 

Kolhapuri Chappal are handmade footwear made of vegetable tanned leather produced using traditional technique and tools. They are a style of open-toed, T-strap sandal, but also braided leather Mules or braided leather shoe type designs are also common.

Area of production of Kolhapuri Chappal in Maharashtra comprises of Sholapur, Sangli, Kolhapur and Satara districts. Area of production of Kolhapuri Chappal in Karnataka comprises of Dharwad, Belgaum, Bagalkot and Bijapur districts

The origin of Kolhapuri Chappals dates back to 12th century when the King Bijjala and his prime minister Basavanna encouraged Kolhapuri Chappal production to support local cobblers. According to historic records, Kolhapuris were first worn as early as the 13th century.

Kolhapuri Chappals are distinctly different from other types of chappals and are made in several designs, particularly in the toe band and instep bands of the uppers. These are known by several names as Kapsi, Kanwalis, Benta etc. and all of them are termed as Kolhapuri chappals.

In Kolhapuri Chappal all parts of chappal – sole, uppers and heel are from bag tanned vegetable tanned leather. Stitching of outer sole, insole and upper and heel is done with leather thread taken from bag tanned leather. Bag tanned leather is obtained by using babul bark and myrobalan fruits. 

For making Kolhapuri Chappal various operations are done step by step like skiving, pattern making and cutting, attachment of upper and bottom heels, stitching, finishing, punching and Trimming, decoration and Polishing, and assembling

Kolhapuri Chappals are known for resistance to abrasion and water absorption. These Chappals exhibit shape memory on wetting/soaking in water. Kolhapuri Chappals are suitable for rugged use for farmers – a fashion footwear with soft and spring action in wear for urbanites and elite. Kolhapuri Chappals are known for sturdy and long durability.

The chappals are known for their durability and breathability, making them ideal for the warm climate of Maharashtra. The natural materials used in crafting Kolhapuri Chappals, combined with the skilled hands that mold them, result in footwear that adapts to the wearer's feet over time, providing unmatched comfort.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 11 December 2018

GI Tag Number                         : 169

Certificate Number                  : 329

Geographical Area                  : Karnataka, Maharashtra

Special Cover Release Date   : 31 August 2021

Cancellation                             : Bengaluru 560 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : KTK/40/2021

3000 Nos of covers are issued and each cover is numbered. 

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Enlarged View of Cancellation

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