Wooden footwear, commonly known as “wooden clogs” or “wooden sandals,” have been used in India for centuries. These traditional footwear items are made from wood and serve various functional and cultural purposes. While they are less common in urban areas today, they are still used in some rural and traditional settings. Here are some examples of wooden footwear used in India:
- Paduka: Paduka are traditional Indian wooden sandals with a long history. They consist of a wooden sole with a post or knob that fits between the big toe and the second toe. Paduka are often associated with religious figures and are worn by priests and devotees in temples.
- Khadau: Khadau are similar to paduka but have a more rounded shape. They are often worn by ascetics and spiritual practitioners in India, as they provide a rustic and simple form of footwear.
- Nagra/Khadaun: Nagra or khadaun are wooden sandals that were traditionally used by laborers, particularly in rural areas. They have a sturdy wooden sole and straps to hold the foot in place.
- Pulayatti/Karlasha: These are traditional wooden slippers with a curved wooden sole. They are used in parts of southern India, particularly in Kerala, and are often worn by agricultural workers.
- Kodali Paduka: These wooden sandals are used mainly by priests and are characterized by a simple design with a single strap to hold the foot in place.
- Kolhapuri Chappals: While not entirely made of wood, Kolhapuri chappals have a wooden sole and are known for their intricate leatherwork. They are traditional footwear from the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra.
- Charakha: Charakha are a type of wooden clog often used by potters and others working in muddy or wet environments. They have a high wooden sole to keep the wearer’s feet above the mud.
- Woden Kada: Wooden kada, which are more like wooden cuffs, are used by some people in rural areas to protect the feet while working in agricultural fields or muddy conditions.
- Geta: While not traditional to India, geta are Japanese wooden sandals that have been used by some communities in India, particularly in the northeastern regions. They are characterized by a wooden base with two “teeth” to elevate the sole above the ground.
- Foot-Operated Weaving Loom (Pit Loom): In some traditional weaving practices, weavers use a foot-operated loom with wooden pedals. While not footwear in the traditional sense, these wooden components are part of the weaving process and are operated by the weaver’s feet.
It’s important to note that the use of wooden footwear in India has declined over the years, and modern rubber or leather footwear has become more prevalent. Wooden sandals are now often seen as cultural or ceremonial items rather than everyday footwear. Nevertheless, they continue to be an important part of India’s cultural heritage and are still used in various contexts, particularly in rural and traditional settings.