Pâda = foot (masculine noun); ka = a diminutive ending, literally "small."

Paduka is the name of India's oldest, most quintessential footwear. It is little more than a sole with a post and knob, which is engaged between the big and second toe. For over five thousand years padukas have afforded ritual protection to holy men and gurus, and have been used by others for special occasions.

Several variations of the word paduka and karrow are used for toe-knob sandals across the Indian subcontinent, including kharawan and karom.