Mojdi Craft of Tonk: Traditional Leather Footwear

The Mochi (cobbler) community of Tonk town and nearby villages produce mojdi, the traditional closed-toe leather shoes of Rajasthan, distinguished by their curled pointed toes and hand-embroidered uppers. Tonk mojdi are influenced by the Nawabi court tradition and often feature zardozi (gold-wire) embroidery, mirror work, and velvet accents on the vamp, reflecting the Mughal-origin aesthetics of the Tonk princely state. Goat and sheep leather is sourced from local tanners. Soles are built from multiple layers of leather soaked and pressed together, then dried hard. The final product is polished with animal fat and packed in cloth bags. Tonk mojdi are sold at the district craft bazaar and sent to Jaipur export workshops. Under the Rajasthan government's artisan welfare scheme, Mochi artisans receive tool kits and working capital loans.