Kolhapuri Chappals

• 30 Jun 2025

Why in News? 

Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has admitted drawing inspiration from traditional Indian handcrafted footwear for its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 sandals, after facing backlash for not crediting the resemblance to India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals. 

• Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), in collaboration with artisans, decided to patent Kolhapuri chappals to protect them internationally. 

 

Key Points 

• About Kolhapuri Chappals: 
  • It is handcrafted in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) and nearby districts like Sangli, Satara, and Solapur, dating back to the 12th–13th century, and was originally made for royalty. 
  • It is made using vegetable-tanned leather from cow, buffalo, or goat, and is fully handmade without nails or synthetic components 
  • It is recognised for its T-strap shape, detailed braiding, and open-toe design, mostly in tan or deep brown shades. 
  • It was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019, covering eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka. 
• Other GI Tagged Products of Maharashtra: 
  • Kasti Coriander (2023) 
  • Sangli Raisins (2016) 
  • Mangalwedha Jowar (2016) 

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag  

• About: A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.  
  • The GI tag ensures that only authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.  
    • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.  
  • A registered GI is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.  
  • GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.  
• Legal Framework:  
  • Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999  
  • WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).