Agra is famous in the world not only for the Taj Mahal but also for the shoe industry. It is believed that almost every fifth pair of shoes in the world is made in Agra. This industry was started by Akbar in Agra, when the emperor ordered his soldiers to wear shoes. Till that time the Mughal army used to fight barefoot without wearing shoes. After this order of Akbar, shoe making workers from all over the empire were called to Agra and several thousand pairs of shoes started being made every year. Boots of tough leather with slightly curved toes were initially made for soldiers. Apart from shoes, Mughal shields made of leather for soldiers were also made in Agra. Even today, the ancient industry of footwear is continuing in Agra. The asafoetida market here is one of the major markets for shoes. There are shoe shops in every street of this market. A survey revealed that about 65 percent of India’s shoes are manufactured in Agra.
