Traditional Footwear in Mithila
Traditionally, people in Mithila had to depend on traditionally made footwear to suit the needs of rural and agrarian life. Organic raw materials like leather, jute, and wood were used, thus making footwear durable for comfort while working in the fields or treading along rural paths for extended hours.
One of the most striking forms of traditional footwear in Mithila is the "Paduka", which holds both cultural and religious importance.
- Kharau: The Sacred Sandals
Kharau in Mithila and large parts of India are a kind of foot-wear that consists of a woodalem sole with a knob that fits between the toes called as Kharau. This wooden slipper traditionally worn by Mithila, the Kharau, is deeply cultural and historic. The Kharau is essentially a wooden contraption: a flat base with a toe knob which the wearer holds between his toes. Simple in form, it has been worn over millennia and carries within its frame the essences of spirituality and austerity.
Indeed, Kharau has traditionally been associated with sages, saints, and spiritual leaders who preferred its minimalistic form to exhibit renunciation from materialism. In Mithila, the Kharau is worn on propitious religious and ceremonial occasions and is an iconic symbol of purity, which brings into view a linkage to ancient traditions. The kind of wood used is often carefully selected for strength and natural appeal. The craftsmanship reflects the artisanal skills passed through generations.
Although it has gradually become a little less commonplace due to the influence of more modern footwear, the Kharau retains its identity as an essential part of Mithila's feet-wear costume on occasions such as festivals, celebrations, or during religious activities in general.
But it is more than that; it is a badge of humility, simplicity, and faithfulness. Saints, sages, and religious personalities wore these Padukas with a view to keep them as far as possible from their so-called comforts of life. In Mithila, this has survived even today, though it is mainly used in some religious or ceremonial occasions.
- Leather Chappals
People of Mithila used to wear chappals made up of leather by local artisans. These were flat and simple chappals, usually made from untreated leather, thus durable for day-to-day use. With time, these sandals started getting decorated with minimalistic designs or were dyed to give an extra appeal to their look.
These leather sandals often constituted a family trade as skills and expertise were passed on to successive generations. The local shoemakers and craftsmen enjoyed a great deal of respect because of their work, and many communities survived on them for day-to-day footwear.
Women's Footwear
Mithila's women, especially in rural areas, traditionally preferred simple open-toe sandals, usually in leather or fabric. These were practical for daily activities and comfortable for the long walks to fetch water or go to the markets or fields.
On special days, such as weddings or festivals, women would wear more ornate footwear. These special sandals were usually decorated with beads, mirrors, or threadwork, matching their bright and colorful attire. Mithila's women-who simply love making intricate designs on everything-also adorn their feet with "Alta" (a red dye applied to the feet), adding grace to the way they look during cultural festivities.
Cultural Significance of Footwear
In Mithila, footwear has much respect, and there is a tradition. To show respect, and sometimes symptomatic of purity, people do not wear footwear while entering homes, temples, and places of importance. In fact, even the offering of certain types of footwear, like Paduka, to gods in temples is considered respectful. Footwear, especially Paduka, is considered part of Mithila folklore and mythology. It is often associated with devotion and sacrifice. During the exile of Lord Rama, in the epic Ramayana, Bharata put Lord Rama's sandals onto the throne to symbolize that Lord Rama was the rightful ruler of Ayodhya during his absence. Putting the Paduka on the throne is the most powerful symbol of loyalty, of how much respect one's footwear is given to represent honor.
