Maharashtra Secures 40+ GI Tags To Protect Traditional Crafts Amid Kolhapuri Row With Prada
Kolhapuri Chappals are traditional handcrafted leather sandals that originated from the town of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India.
Kolhapuri Vs Prada: The row over the alleged imitation of the Kolhapuri chappal design without credit by global luxury fashion brand Prada has brought attention to a larger issue — the unauthorized use of India's traditional crafts, handicrafts, and heritage without any monetary reward or recognition.
In response, and to protect and promote traditional crafts and manufacturing skills of the state, the Maharashtra government has announced that it has secured over 40 Geographical Indication (GI) tags for state-specific products, including Kolhapuri chappals, according to a report by The Indian Express.
Maharashtra Development Commissioner Deependra Singh Kushwah said during an industry-oriented conclave in Mumbai, said Prada is now in trouble as the government has GI tags, including the Kolhapuri Chappal. He further said that good news would come for makers of Kolhapuri Chappal in the coming days and they were working to obtain 30 more GI tags in the coming few months.
GI Tag stands for Geographical Indication Tag. It is a legal label used to identify products that come from a specific location and have unique qualities, reputation, or traditional know-how linked to that place.
What Is The Kolhapuri Chappal and Prada Controversy?
The storm began when a model appeared in the Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection wearing the luxury footwear resembling to the Kolhapuri Chappal. Netizens condemn the luxury brand for stealing India's heritage without giving credit.
A flurry of posts have surfaced on social media condemning the new showcased footwear of Prada without any credit to the original makers and cultural appropriation.
Following the uproar, Prada openly acknowledged that the inspiration of its new footwear had Indian roots. A Prada spokesperson told BBC that has 'always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions", adding that it was 'in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic".
A Brief History of Kolhapuri Chappal
The origin of the Kolhapuri Chappal goes back almost 800 years. These are traditional handcrafted leather sandals that originated from the town of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India.
Kolhapuri Chappals are known for its durability and sturdiness with decorative designs, intricate patterns and regional styles.
They have become India's craftmanship heritage.
The royalty of Kolhapur promoted these chappals in the 13th century, helping them gain popularity across Maharashtra and nearby regions.
In 2019, Kolhapuri chappals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing their unique identity and traditional method of production tied to Kolhapur and nearby districts.
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