Agra beyond the Taj; THE SHOEMAKING LEGACY

Agra, synonymous with the Taj Mahal, a testament to enduring love, has transcended its historical association to emerge as a city with a distinct identity beyond the Taj’s shadow.

Agra- A city & the Shoe

- Lavi Pal Singh & Amit Chopra

India boasts an extensive legacy of craftsmanship spanning millennia. Despite enduring outside invasions, imperial reigns, and foreign trade, India's artisanal traditions have persevered, maintaining their heritage in numerous facets. Across centuries, Indian handicrafts have adapted, assimilating influences from diverse cultures, religions, and geographic regions.

This rich tapestry extends to India's footwear industry, exemplified by the ancient "Padukas" from Vedic times and the unassuming yet iconic Kolhapuri chappals. From the vibrant Punjabi juttis to the intricate mojaris and even immortalized in Raj Kapoor's famed song "Joota hai Japani," India's shoe-making history encapsulates a myriad of styles and influences.

Agra's time-honoured footwear industry recently clinched the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its shoe-making heritage as "Agra Leather Footwear." Delving into the industry's journey over the decades, we uncover a roller coaster ride marked by resilience and adaptability, propelling Agra to its current status as a premier hub for both domestic sales and exports in the shoemaking domain.

Furthermore, we explore the roots of the GI designation and its pivotal role as a potent marketing instrument for India's robust handicraft and manufacturing sector, notably exemplified by the acclaimed Agra Leather Footwear.

Agra- The City Origins

Tracing its roots back to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Agra was referred to as 'Agraban,' where 'ban' denoted "forest" in Sanskrit, portraying its origins as an arid wooded area. Legend attributes the city's establishment to Raja Badal Singh around 1475 A.D. However, Agra gained prominence when Sikandar Lodi shifted the capital from Delhi in 1506, marking a turning point in its history.