Why in News?
Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers protested against Italian brand Prada for allegedly copying their GI-tagged traditional design in its Spring/Summer 2026 collection without credit. They plan legal action, calling it cultural theft, to protect artisans’ rights and Maharashtra’s heritage.
Description:
- The Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks (CGPDTM) has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Kolhapuri chappals.
- GI tag covers 8 districts:
- Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur, Satara
- Karnataka: Belgaum, Dharwad, Bagalkot, Bijapur
Uniqueness:
- Sturdy, hand-crafted leather chappals.
- Tanned using vegetable dyes.
- Craft passed down generationally.
History:
- Traces to the 12th century during the rule of King Bijjal in Bidar (Karnataka).
- Vishwaguru Basavanna sought a casteless society, encouraging the cobbler community to embrace Lingayat faith and produce footwear.
- ‘Kolhapuri’ as a brand emerged in the early 20th century when traded in Kolhapur (Maharashtra).
- Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted production; 29 tanning centres were opened in Kolhapur during his rule.
Benefits of GI Tag:
- Legal protection against unauthorised use or copying.
- Helps artisans export Kolhapuris.
- Enables tie-ups with e-commerce platforms (e.g., Flipkart, Amazon).
Significance of GI Tag:
- Opens large domestic and international markets.
- Only chappals produced in these 8 districts can be marketed as ‘Kolhapuri’.
What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?
- A GI is used on products with specific geographical origin.
- Possess qualities, reputation, distinctiveness attributable to that locality.
- Ensures authenticity and preserves traditional knowledge.
Validity:
- GI tag is valid for 10 years.
- Renewable after expiry.
GI in India:
- India’s GI Act: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- Enacted to comply with WTO’s TRIPS Agreement.
- First GI-tagged product in India: Darjeeling Tea (2004).
- The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has launched a logo and tagline for Indian GIs.
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