Kolhapuri Chappal

Published on 26 Oct 2025

• Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers have alleged that the Italian luxury fashion brand Prada’s recent sandal design bear a striking resemblance to the traditional Kolhapuri chappals.

• Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted unisex leather sandals traditionally made by artisans in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district and parts of Karnataka.

• Kolhapuri Chappal is a product granted Geographical Indication (GI) status under India’s Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in 2019.

• The Kolhapuri, along with mojari, juttis, and Jaipuris, constitute the unorganised footwear industry in India.

• The community of Charmakars traditionally makes Kolhapuri chappals and the term ‘Charmakar’ is of Sanskrit origin and means leather artisan. 

• The chappals are made from animal leather but undergo a vegetable oil tanning process which makes it more environment friendly.

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Keywords:

Kolhapuri Chappal handicraft Geographical Indication GI Goods (Registration and Protection) Act