The concept of leather art came to the human mind when they used to kill animals for their food. Gradually they found the usage of leather with the intention of using leather for clothing .In India, leather industry was headed by the "Mochis" who by processing dead animals would take the skin of the animals for tanning. Mainly people from the rural parts of India are engaged in the ancestral craft of leather art, designing and manufacturing. The trade of leather tanning was inaugurated in the distant past and developed in India by the period around 3000B.C.
The ancient `sadhus` and `rishis` would use mats which were prepared from the skins of animals like tigers and deers.. Leather was also used to make caps, armour, bags etc
Foot wear is the main product of leather art as well as leather industry. Bhinmal in Southern Rajasthan is a considerable place where embroidered foot wear is manufactured in abundance. There is a large variety among the traditional leather `chappals` which are made of original and fine coloured leather, often decorated with brocade or embroidery. "Lutti" or "Mojadi" is one of the most admired and fancy footwear with eye catching of Rajasthan. Chappal or sandal is another kind of footwear which is preferred in the places of warmer climates and seasons. Jodhpur and Jaipur are two cities where the traditional footwear is manufactured, excellent texture and designs are the qualities of this footwear. Jodhpur and Jaipur are highly praised for the `jootis` or `mojdis` which are the kind of shoes, are decorated with awesome embroidery work.
To traverse a long distance of a trackless rocky landscape, the people of The North West Frontier wear shoes of Peshawari model. Kolhapur in South west Maharashtra is one of the most famous places for manufacturing the "Kolhapuri chappals". Kolhapuri chappals with their intricate design and pattern has added dimension to the façade of Indian leather art. The chappals are often dyed but mainly they are kept in natural colour of the leather. Indian urban population prefers to wear European style shoes in formal occasions such as marriage. In the mid tenth century the British founded a factory for the production of saddles, belts and harness. Hyderabad is the city where special money belts are made and are admired by the Muslims. These money belts are used and are beneficial for the person who go to Mecca for Haj and is considered as a remarkable example of Indian leather art.
Leather art in India also involves the art of puppet making. Shadow puppets are a speciality of the Karnataka coast, around Palghat (Kerala), and Nellore and Nimulkunta in Andhra Pradesh. Rajasthan carries a prolonged history of leather art and craft.
In the earlier days leather was also employed in the manufacturing of the water carriers. The water carrier was named as "bhisti" which was made out of goat skin. Cooking oil was carried out in camel caravans in leather carriers which are called "kupi" which were made of the inner layer of camel skin. These kinds of carriers were manufactured by a branch of the Muslim Utsa caste in Bikaner. Camel hide bottles with exclusive carved wooden stoppers are manufactured at Jaisalmer. These still stands as the great examples of Indian leather art.
In manufacturing interior décor items also since ancient days leather has made its presence felt. Leather art in making lampshades and lamps has gained importance. Lampshades and lamps are produced with camel hide and are decorated with splendid use of colours, excellent floral designs and plated with thin gold leaves.
Each state of India mirrors the remarkable style of Indian leather art. Leatherwork of Kashmir is famous for its decorative art like the "appliqué" which is done with the use of coloured leather pieces and gives the product a gaudy but sober look. The leather art of Karnataka is distinguished from the rest of the places by its metallic gold or a touch of silver, painted with figures or animals which are mostly from epics. Delhi is adored for its production of embroidered bags, shoes and `jootis` which are decorated with silver , gold and pearls. The trend of bookbinding with leather and the craft of `Alwar` were flourished in the nineteenth century during the period of Maharaja Banni Singh.
Leather art in India is spreading its popularity and demand for various leather crafts day by day. Through the involvement of advanced technology and modern trend the leather technology is hoped to enhance its glamour and tradition.
