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Kolhapuri Chappals – The Art Of Sole Dressing
Worn by everyone, from the Maharaja of Kolhapur to rural folk, these chappals have a story that dates back four hundred years. Comfortable, hardy and aesthetically designed, they express the very essence of a traditional craft.
A long time ago, when footwear wasn’t fussy and design was a response to utility, the now well-known Kolhapuri chappals made their appearance. Evolving from the basic features of a simple wooden base and toe (similar to that worn by sadhus), they went on to become footwear with a hard leather sole that would bend a bit with use, helping the farmer to walk in muddy areas with the two braided straps at the big and small toes holding the chappal in place. Those for kings had a softer sole and a lot of decorative work on them.
This is a nice article. Could we have some more details on the different type of kolhapuri chappals, different makes as well as the material used. And also if they are still completely handmade or machine help is used nowadays?