Kolhapuri Chappal

Kolhapuri chappals are among India’s best-known traditional footwear. They are named after Kolhapur, the city in Maharashtra where the craft grew and flourished. The sandals are made by hand from vegetable-tanned buffalo leather, with no machines or synthetic parts in the traditional process. They are recognised by their flat sole, open design, braided or cut-leather straps and a rich tan shade that darkens with use. Popular names for the styles include Kapshi, Pukkalu, Kurundwadi, Bakkalnali and Kachkadi, each named after a village or a design feature. The chappals are loved for their durability and comfort, and today they appear in both everyday wear and fashion.

Local tradition traces the craft back to around the 12th century, and the sandals were being made in the Kolhapur region for centuries before the modern period. They were first made in villages such as Kapshi and Athani, which gave some styles their names. The craft received a major boost under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur (reigned 1894 to 1922), a reformer who encouraged local industries and supported leather workers by promoting their trade and giving it royal patronage. Over time the chappals spread from regional wear to markets across India and abroad. Government bodies and cooperatives in both Maharashtra and Karnataka have since worked to support the artisans, and the 2019 GI recognition marked the craft’s formal protection. In 2025 the sandals drew global attention when an international fashion house showed similar sandals, which led to wide discussion about credit for Indian artisans and to a later collaboration with the state leather development corporations.

For generations, Kolhapuri chappals have been part of daily life in Maharashtra, worn by farmers, townspeople and royalty alike. They also carry the livelihood of artisan families, especially from the Chambhar community, who have passed the skill down for many generations. The craft supports thousands of families in and around Kolhapur and in nearby districts of Karnataka. Kolhapur’s chappal market, with its workshops and shops, is a living part of the city’s identity. The chappals are often worn at weddings and festivals and are a common gift or souvenir. In 2019 the craft received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, shared by Maharashtra and Karnataka, which protects its authenticity and traditional method.