Innumerable references to the foot and to foot worship in Indian culture convey the impression that the foot is considered one, if not the most, important part of the human body. The religious and historical significance of feet and footwear in Indian art and culture are presented in this book, which was inspired by The Bata Shoe Museum Foundation. The richness and variety of ancient and traditional footwear are lavishly illustrated, with outstanding examples of the typical toe-knob sandals worn by mendicants and holy men and the beautifully embroidered shoes of the wealthy. Rare information on footwear has been culled from lesser-known Buddhist and Jain sources concerning the traditions and regulations governing the monastic life of monks. The book also contains a section on traditional footwear types created by contemporary village artisans.