© Penelope Gan – All Rights Reserved – Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA

Mojaris, Jootis and Kolhapuris ‘floods’ Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab with production dating back to the period of Kings and Queens. During its heydays, Jootis were heavily embroidered with real gold and silver threads and decorated with precious gems and pearls. But, with the passage of time, these were replaced by artificial materials, beads, bells and even mirrors (more commonly in Rajasthan), in order to make them affordable for everyone.

Typically Jootis are made out of buffalo, cow or camel leather soles, with the upper part comprises leather or simply textile. Both the parts are joined together by a paste or glue, then hand-stitched with cotton threads.

Mojari is referred to a man’s closed shoe with an extended curled toe, while Jootis have flat fronts. The Jootis’ rear is also normally covered but mojaris have an open look from behind. The ordinary Mojari is either pointed in shape, or rounded. The different forms are known as gol-panja (Round Toe), chota-panja (Small Toe), salem shahi (Pointed Toe).

These flat soled shoes have no left or right distinction.