And why Kolhapuri Chappals?? The Kolhapuri Chappal represents a dwindling Indian tradition. Originating in the 13th Century, the Kolhapuri Chappal is the oldest Indian handmade footwear! The quintessential Indian slipper most comfortable to wear, in the hot Indian conditions – is a Maharashtrian creation, handed down through the generations. It is a simplistic slipper that is good to wear. It ensures user comfort and cools the feet. Made from buffalo leather, the slippers reduce body heat, and are good for the eyes, and for managing back pain and diabetes too. This is because of the lesser-known fact that the slippers have defined acupressure points on them – made using black vinchu seeds! The seeds are also responsible for the peculiar crunching sounds that are a characteristic feature of the slippers – but as folklore suggests, in earlier eras, the sound was also incorporated to scare away wild animals while traversing miles through woods and jungles. Plus the location of acupressure points also ensured that people could walk for miles without the feet getting tired. Even Shivaji Maharaj’s soldiers are said to have crossed the roughest of terrains and fought many battles with the Kolhapuri slippers on their feet!
