It is the name of India’s oldest, most quintessential ceremonial footwear. It is little more than a sole with a post and knob, which is engaged between the big and second toe. It exists in a variety of forms and materials throughout India. They might be made in the shape of actual feet, or of fish, for example, and are made of wood, ivory and even silver. They are sometimes elaborately decorated. Although simple wooden padukas could be worn by common people, padukas of fine teak, ebony and sandalwood, inlaid with ivory or wire, were a mark of the wearer’s high status.