Latest news with #ChhatrapatiShahuMaharaj
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
After Prada ‘appropriation', Maharashtra to certify authentic Kolhapuri chappals with QR code
KOLHAPUR: The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were "inspired" by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. He encouraged the use of these chappals, helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industry.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Kolhapuris blend heritage, tech as govt pushes for QR code authenticity
The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. He encouraged the use of these chappals, helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industry. What was once a humble, coarse village slipper, soon became a symbol of swadeshi identity under the royal patronage. To safeguard this cultural legacy and ensure fair recognition for artisans, the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments jointly secured the GI tag in 2019. Under international trade rules such as the TRIPS agreement, this GI status legally reserves the rights to manufacture and market Kolhapuri chappals to artisans from specific districts in both the states. The certification defines the product as handmade, using traditional techniques and natural leather, with open-toe construction, prohibiting the use of synthetic materials or mechanised processes. Going a step further, the LIDCOM has introduced QR-coded certification for each pair of chappals, the corporation said in a statement. This digital initiative aims to tackle counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan or self-help group behind each product, it said. Buyers scanning the code can access details like name and location of the artisan or production unit, district of manufacture in Maharashtra, craft techniques and raw materials used, validity and status of the GI certification. "This initiative not only boosts consumer trust but also strengthens the market position of traditional craftsmen," the LIDCOM said. The corporation is now calling upon consumers, designers and the common public to stand in solidarity with India's indigenous craft traditions. "Kolhapuri chappals are not just fashion accessories. They are a powerful expression of traditional skill, identity and the dignity of small artisan communities," the statement quoted LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar as saying. Founded in 1974, LIDCOM has been a pivotal institution in empowering rural leather artisans. Through training programmes, market development, design innovation and economic support, the organisation has transformed traditional footwear-making into a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and grassroots economy. Kolhapuri chappals have now regained global spotlight, blending heritage with modern relevance. More than just the traditional footwear, they are a symbol of skilled artisanry and indigenous pride. Since 1974, LIDCOM, also known as the Sant Rohidas Charmodyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal, has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this heritage craft, as per the statement. The corporation has empowered thousands of rural artisans by offering skill development training, encouraging innovation, expanding markets and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, it said. On the organisation's vision, Deshbhratar, said, "Kolhapuri chappals are not merely utilitarian items. They embody stories of self-reliance, national pride and a living cultural tradition. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen the hands that preserve this legacy and inspire generations to come." Apart from economic uplift, the corporation is also committed to cultural conservation. It continues to implement a wide range of initiatives -- from developing training centres and empowering self-help groups to building linkages between buyers and suppliers across domestic and international markets -- to ensure the traditional craft survives and thrives in a changing economic landscape, the statement said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kolhapuri chappals blend heritage and tech as govt pushes for authenticity with QR certification
Kolhapur: The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage , now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Healthcare Product Management Technology Leadership Design Thinking CXO healthcare Operations Management Management Project Management Finance MBA MCA Cybersecurity Data Science Data Analytics Degree PGDM Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence Others Public Policy others Data Science Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mrgashat: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI ( Geographical Indication ) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were "inspired" by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. Live Events A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. He encouraged the use of these chappals, helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industry. What was once a humble, coarse village slipper, soon became a symbol of swadeshi identity under the royal patronage. To safeguard this cultural legacy and ensure fair recognition for artisans, the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments jointly secured the GI tag in 2019. Under international trade rules such as the TRIPS agreement, this GI status legally reserves the rights to manufacture and market Kolhapuri chappals to artisans from specific districts in both the states. The certification defines the product as handmade, using traditional techniques and natural leather, with open-toe construction, prohibiting the use of synthetic materials or mechanised processes. Going a step further, the LIDCOM has introduced QR-coded certification for each pair of chappals, the corporation said in a statement. This digital initiative aims to tackle counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan or self-help group behind each product, it said. Buyers scanning the code can access details like name and location of the artisan or production unit, district of manufacture in Maharashtra, craft techniques and raw materials used, validity and status of the GI certification. "This initiative not only boosts consumer trust but also strengthens the market position of traditional craftsmen," the LIDCOM said. The corporation is now calling upon consumers, designers and the common public to stand in solidarity with India's indigenous craft traditions. "Kolhapuri chappals are not just fashion accessories. They are a powerful expression of traditional skill, identity and the dignity of small artisan communities," the statement quoted LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar as saying. Founded in 1974, LIDCOM has been a pivotal institution in empowering rural leather artisans. Through training programmes, market development, design innovation and economic support, the organisation has transformed traditional footwear-making into a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and grassroots economy. Kolhapuri chappals have now regained global spotlight, blending heritage with modern relevance. More than just the traditional footwear, they are a symbol of skilled artisanry and indigenous pride. Since 1974, LIDCOM, also known as the Sant Rohidas Charmodyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal, has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this heritage craft, as per the statement. The corporation has empowered thousands of rural artisans by offering skill development training, encouraging innovation, expanding markets and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, it said. On the organisation's vision, Deshbhratar, said, "Kolhapuri chappals are not merely utilitarian items. They embody stories of self-reliance, national pride and a living cultural tradition. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen the hands that preserve this legacy and inspire generations to come." Apart from economic uplift, the corporation is also committed to cultural conservation. It continues to implement a wide range of initiatives -- from developing training centres and empowering self-help groups to building linkages between buyers and suppliers across domestic and international markets -- to ensure the traditional craft survives and thrives in a changing economic landscape, the statement said.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Hindu
Kolhapuri chappals walk on chic runways
Recently, Kolhapuri chappals made global headlines when Italian luxury brand Prada released a pair of sandals that closely resembled the traditional Kolhapuri design — but priced them at several hundred dollars. This sparked a controversy, with many labelling it cultural appropriation and criticising the brand for the lack of acknowledgement of the artisans or the original craft. While Prada did not directly claim inspiration from Kolhapuris, the visual similarity was enough to reignite discussions around intellectual property rights, artisan recognition, and the importance of preserving traditional crafts. Kolhapuri chappals are a symbol of India's rich artisanal heritage, with a history dating back over 800 years. Originating from the town of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, these handcrafted leather sandals have been traditionally worn by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Users admire the footwear for its durability, comfort, and distinct aesthetic. What makes the footwear truly unique is the intricate craftsmanship that is behind each pair. These chappals are made entirely by hand — from cutting the leather to shaping the sole and weaving the iconic T-strap. Every stitch, punch, and braid is done manually by skilled artisans, many of whom work out of small family-run homes rather than large-scale factories. This decentralised, home-based production model has been passed down generations, keeping the cottage industry alive in small towns and villages across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Another less-known but important aspect of Kolhapuri chappals is their eco-friendly production. The leather used undergoes vegetable tanning, a traditional method that uses natural tannins derived from tree bark, leaves, and other plant sources. The process, though longer and more labour-intensive, adds to the unique character of every chappal — no two pieces of leather are ever quite the same. Ironically, the Prada controversy served as a silver lining — it brought renewed attention to Kolhapuri chappals on the global stage. Several Indian designers and advocates used the moment to highlight the centuries-old craft, emphasising the need to support local artisans. In an era of fast fashion, Kolhapuri chappals stand as a proud symbol of slow, sustainable craftsmanship — made with care, by hand, and with history in every step. Hands at work: Artisans set out leather pieces of various sizes to make the chappals. First step: Pieces of vegetable-tanned leather is laid out to dry under the sun on a terrace on Kolhapur. Bootstrapping tradition: Leather 'ears' used to attach the T-strap are left to dry at a workshop. Crafting each step: Tools used to make Kolhapuri chappals are kept in precise order for the convenience of the artisans. Shaping the sole: Absorbed in his work, a craftsman cuts the right shape for a chappal. On the anvil: The Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted in modest workshops. A stitch in time: At her home workshop, an artisan stitches the sole of the chappal. Finishing touches: Inside Kolhapur's Chappal market, an artisan polishes a pair of Kolhapuris, giving the handmade leather its sheen. Royal replicas: Shubam Satpute, owner of Igna Leathers, showcases a pair of royal Kolhapuris, replicas of the footwear once worn by King Shahu Maharaj, who is considered a visionary ruler.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Kolhapur got 130mm rain in May so far, highest since '10
Kolhapur: Kolhapur district has witnessed over 130mm of rain from May 1 till Saturday evening so far, making it the highest amount of rainfall the district has received since 2010. However, Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts received a few spells of rain on Saturday alone. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted an orange alert for Kolhapur and Satara districts on Sunday, whereas a yellow alert has been predicted for Sangli and Solapur on Sunday. In Kolhapur district, 26mm of rain was received in the last 24 hours recorded till Saturday evening. In this period, Gaganbawda tehsil received the highest rainfall (79.3mm) whereas Shirol tehsil received the least (6.3mm) on Saturday. The dam catchment areas in the district receive good rain on Saturday with Tulsi dam recording 109mm rainfall, and Radhanagari receiving 88mm rainfall. The Panchaganga river was increased to the 17ft mark, which later submerged three barrages. Rajaram barrage at Kasba Bawda area was inundated under floodwaters, affecting local traffic movement from Kolhapur city to the adjacent villages. The historical Gandhi Maidan ground in Kolhapur city centre has accumulated over 6fto f water due to a technical issue with the drainage channel. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Subsequently, a KMC team was deployed to drain out the rainwater accumulated at Gandhi Maidan. In Satara district, the mausoleum of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (Satara throne), located in Sangam Mahuli village at the confluence of the Koyana and Venna rivers, was inundated by the swollen river water on Saturday early morning. Prakash Mane, a gram panchayat member from Sangam Mahuli village, said, "In the last thirty to forty years, this is the first time that the Shahu Samadhi has become inundated in May. Usually, this situation takes place in July."
