CHAMBA CHAPPAL

These are handcrafted leather chappals (slippers) that come in a variety of hues as well as natural leather. The tradition of wearing Chamba chappals (slippers) dates back to the reign of King Sahil Verman (in the early ninth century). When he married the princess of Noorpur, he brought with him chappal (slipper) manufacturers, tailors, and make-up artists as dowry to serve the queen and the realm. It is reported that the residents of Chamba used to only wear rudimentary grass shoes before that time. For a long time, only kings and queens were allowed to wear them. However, it was only after the British popularised and protected the art that it became a widely used product (as told by a shopowner). Such tales abound in Chamba. If you ask any resident, he or she will always have a new story to tell.
The Registrar, Geographical Indications, issued the GI tag under the Geographical Indications (GIs) of Goods Act, 1999. With this, the overall number of Himachal goods with the GI label has increased to nine.