Footware is an essential item for our day to day life. But matching the footware with our outfits is real challenge for women. But here is a footware which blends really fine with all the dresses.
Yes, that is Kolhapuri chappals. These chappals are famous for their durability, sturdiness and comfort in wearing. They are eco-friendly and because of their raw material. Chappal’s quality and unique traditional designs, Kolhapuri is still widely accepted and in great demand.
As per the history, the Kolhapuri chappals were worn even in the early 13th century. But it was only during the late 1920s that the chappals became known to the outer world. During this period, the chappals were made by many people in Kolhapur, but the ones that were made by Saudagar family in Kolhapur were famous. The chappals made by them were thin and light weight with a decoration on top. The chappals developed initially had flaps on either side of it, thus they were called as Kanwali which means chappals with ears. They began trading these chappals to Mumbai with the help of one of the prominent footwear retailers there. Soon these chappals got noticed and there were great demand for them. This increase in demand for the Kolhapuri chappals forced the Saudagar family to recruit more cobblers and teach them the method to make these types of chappals.
There are templates used for making a basic design which is then cut on the processed leather. This cut piece is dipped in natural colours or dyes. Then the upper part of the Chappal and the sole are stitched with leather chords. Once they are joined, the outer decorations and designs are made which gives these chappals a trendy look. But people still prefer the traditional design of the chappals. The sole of the chappals is made of two or more leather pieces which are pasted and stitched together to give extra strength.
Though leather footwears are comfortable to wear, they get easily torn due to the daily wear and tear, and it is here that the importance of Kolhapuri chappals come to light. Kolhapuri chappals are thin and light weight chappals that are handmade in Kolhapur in Maharashtra. These chappals are made from processed leather. Mainly buffalo, goat or bull hides are used in the manufacturing of these chappals. This leather is processed and grazed. The grazing makes the chappals more sturdy and durable for daily use that it can withstand the wear and tear. As only natural colours are used for dyeing these chappals, it can be worn without fear of allergies. Another important feature of Kolhapuri chappals is that there is no iron nails used in them.