Leather Crafts in India
Leather crafts of India are a perfect amalgamation of style and tradition. Leather craft is one of the most celebrated art forms of India. They have a unique style and are very attractive. The Indian leather products occupy a special place in the international markets as well. Different regions of India have different styles and variants in leather crafts.
Historical Background
Existence of Leather craft goes back to ancient times. It all began when men realized that animal skin could be used as clothing. Ancient scriptures mention the use of deer skin by sages and ascetics for meditation. In India, the use of leather marked its prominence since the Indus valley civilization. Initially, rural and tribal people practiced this art. They used leather to make clothing, footwear, bags, armours, saddles and many more. Later on, the leather craft found its way into towns and cities. Today, leather is a big industrial sector. The tools and techniques used in the ancient period still find their utility in the modern world.
Regions where leather craft is concentrated
Various forms of leather crafts can be found in different regions and cities of India. The famous ones include,
Kohlapur
The city of Kohlapur in Maharasthra is renowned for its traditional leather footwear. They are famously known as the ‘Kohlapuri chappal’. This indigenous style of footwear is appreciated all over the world.
Gwalior and Indore
The cities of Gwalior and Indore of Madhya Pradesh are known for the embroidered leather crafts.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan produces one of a kind embroidered leather foot wear. The embroidery includes beautiful beads, sequins, silk and metal elements. In Rajasthan, Jaisalmer and Bikaner are famous for the decorative leather saddles. The saddles of horses and camels are embellished with beautiful beads and embroidery work.
West Bengal
The state has a unique style of leather craft. It is called the Santiniketan Pattern. Apart from the Santiniketan style, other traditional artefacts are also produced in the state.
Articles produced by Leather Industry
Leather Industry of India produces a wide range of articles. They include footwear, clothing, decorative items, utility articles, toys, lampshades, suitcases, etc. Leather craft industry also finds its prominence in the fashion world. Leather jackets and coats are always in trend. Leather shoes has a huge market all over the world. The Indian made home decoration products like leather lampshades, cushion covers and toys are appreciated all over the world. Leather puppets still have a unique place in the hearts of puppet masters.
Knuckle pad is an elegant and colourful form of leather craft. It has embroidered leather products in vibrant colours. Leather bags for women with embroidery and embellishments are in great demand everywhere. Sometimes we also find leather articles with aplique work.
India also produces leather products with pictures and paintings from epics and mythologies. These products reflect the culture and ethnicity of India. The embroidery work in Gold and Silver stand as an indication to the craftsmanship and skill of the artisans.
Various forms of Leather Art
Mojris
It is also known as jootis or pagarkhiyas. They are a kind of footwear. They are known for the unique and intricate designs.
Kashidakari
It is an art that is done on the `jootis` (footwear) with silk, metal, beads. It can also be done as aplique work. Aplique work mainly involves use of thin leather pieces in different colours.
Peshwari
This is another variety of jooti which can be worn by both men and women.
Nagra
It is a variety of footwear that is admired in all places of India. These footwear are embroidered with Mughal motifs in gold and brightly coloured threads having intricate and brilliant designs.
Leather crafts in India have evolved over time. Today India produces a wide range of products. Leather industry is not only improving the GDP of India but is also providing employment to numerous Indians. The unique products represent the brilliant craftsmanship of India.
