The White Revolution

Kolhapur, also known as Dakshin Kashi is an inland city located about 380 km from Mumbai in south-west Maharashtra state. It is an important economic centre and over the recent years has emerged as one having one of the highest per capita income in India. The economy is largely driven by sugar cane cultivation, the sugar industry, foundry sector, textile industry and agriculture.

The neighbouring city of Hupari is known as the silver city of India as majority of the people have been in involved in making silver jewellery since the last century and have estimated annual turnover of over 1000 crores with an annual growth of about 5 percent. Kolhapur chappals, which recently received Geographical Indication tag, are manufactured by the local cobbler community and skilled people and exported domestically and to several countries. Spicy Kolhapuri cuisine is extremely popular and ‘Kolhapuri Saaj’, an old traditional jewellery is completely handmade and exported internationally. This expertly curated trip offers insights into the traditional businesses of Kolhapur and shows the real-life challenges faced by them. It also showcases the region’s contribution to the state’s economy.