Kolhapuri GI

Documenting the GI-tagged leather craftsmanship.

1 min readSaptarishi Archives

Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted leather sandals originating from Maharashtra, India. They are known for their durability, comfort, and distinctive design.

These sandals are protected under a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which legally recognizes their regional authenticity.

Craftsmanship

Each pair is handmade using traditional tanning and stitching techniques, often taking several days to complete.

Controversy

Global luxury brands have released similar footwear designs, sometimes selling them at extremely high prices without acknowledging their origin.

Economic Impact

This disconnect between origin and profit affects local artisans, who rarely benefit from the global commercialization of their work.