Silver Kolhapuri Chappal: A Luxurious Adhik Mas Gift
In a unique blend of tradition and extravagance, a Kolhapur-based silversmith has created an unusual replica of the iconic Kolhapuri chappal, crafted entirely out of 1.5 kg of silver. The pair was commissioned by a Sangli jeweller for a client as a special Adhik Mas gift, highlighting the intersection of craftsmanship and luxury amid soaring precious metal prices.
Silversmith's First Footwear Project
Vikrant Mali, the silversmith from Pratibhanagar, expressed surprise at the request, stating that he had never made footwear before. The finished pair, including labour charges, cost around Rs 4.25 lakh. This price surpasses even luxury global brands like Prada, whose Kolhapuri-inspired footwear costs about Rs 84,000.
“When the jeweller from Sangli approached me in March, I immediately felt it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have experience crafting various items from silver, but had never attempted footwear, especially a complex one like the Kolhapuri chappal. Due to prior assignments, I started the work in April. I bought a fine-quality leather Kolhapuri chappal with an intricate design to study the pattern. The silver provided was 95% pure, and I mixed it with cadmium to increase strength so the chappal could be used normally, like leather footwear, rather than just for display. I studied for weeks how the chappal is made and then started making various parts such as the toe, the veni (braid), small designs, gonda, detha, karangali, sole, and other components, and then assembled them to make the whole chappal. It took me around nine days to make the final product,” Mali told TOI.
Cost and Materials
The jeweller provided 1.5 kg of silver, currently valued at around Rs 2.7 lakh per kg, along with specifications based on the client’s requirements. Mali charged Rs 22,000 as labour cost. He has previously made silver water containers called ‘pimp’ in Marathi, headgear similar to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s (Jiretop), swords, bats, and balls.
“The jeweller provided measurements and a sample of the Kolhapuri chappal. I never met the client, nor did the jeweller tell me about him. However, I learned that the client wanted to gift the pair to his son-in-law during Adhik Mas,” Mali said.
Significance of Adhik Mas
Adhik Mas is an additional month in the Hindu lunar calendar occurring every 2.5 to 3 years. It is traditionally marked by in-laws gifting gold and silver items to sons-in-law, which explains the demand for this unique creation.
Impact on Business
Mali, who has been working with silver for over two decades, noted that his business has seen some impact following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to avoid gold purchases for a year, though he believes it has also curbed unnecessary hoarding.
