Research paper on Chamba footwear draws applause at Hyderabad seminar

Manav, a research scholar from Chamba, has presented a research paper on traditional Chamba Chappal, locally called ‘Mochdu’, at a national symposium held in Hyderabad. The Pleach India Foundation and the FDDI, Hyderabad, jointly organised the three-day conference titled “Tales Below The Heels” with the objective of highlighting the historical tradition of India’s indigenous footwear ‘Panahi’ and understanding the craftsmanship behind it.

Manav, along with Anjali Verma, Assistant Professor of History at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), presented the research paper on traditional Chamba footwear ‘Mochdu’. The paper explored the evolution of the footwear used in Chamba across various historical periods. The study drew from the gazetteers and certificates of appreciation issued by the Chamba rulers to local artisans and traced the historical significance of ‘Mochdu’ and its cultural relevance.

The researchers also highlighted the presence of ‘Mochdu’ in Chamba’s folk traditions, referencing a 10th-century song associated with Queen Sunayana. As part of the research, Manav conducted interviews with artisans, whose families had been making ‘Mochdu’ for more than six generations, many of whom still use tools passed through three or more generations.

The research paper received appreciation at the national seminar and succeeded in drawing the attention of several scholars due to its depth and cultural value. Manav is at present pursuing B.Ed and is a research scholar in the History Department of Himachal Pradesh University. The research was carried out under the guidance and supervision of Anjali Verma.