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Karnataka

Channapatna Toys & Dolls: from hale wood to lacquered dreams

The timeless charms of eco-friendly wooden toys

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Vibrant masterpiece

A small township crafts some pretty big dreams for children in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district. Nestled amidst the rolling hills is Channapatna – but this is no ordinary town. Popularly known as Gombegala Ooru in the local language, which roughly translates to ‘toys town’, Channapatna is where childhood dreams take shape. For over 200 years now, the skilled artisans of this town have breathed life into wood, crafting vibrant and delightful toys that have captivated the hearts of children. What makes them even more special is the eco-friendly consciousness that guides the making of these toys. Amidst the aroma of natural dyes, the rhythmic tap-tap-tap of the craftsman's hammer, and the exciting kaleidoscope of handcrafted wonders, Channapatna is a place simply waiting to be discovered.

History

The story of Channapatna toys and dolls begins in the 18th century with Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Like many ancient crafts of India, Channapatna toys too had once enjoyed royal patronage. A keen admirer of art, particularly woodwork, Tipu Sultan invited Persian artisans to train local craftsmen in the art of lacquerware. This laid the foundation for Channapatna's unique toy-making tradition which evolved with the incorporation of local aesthetic sensibilities. However, it was in the 20th century, that lacquerware products began to be manufactured. Today, the Channapatna toys industry is a means of livelihood for over 1,500 artisans of the Ramanagara district.  

Craftsmanship and material

The eco-friendly toys and dolls of Channapatna are crafted from locally-grown hale wood, known for its softness and lightness, as the base material. The wood is spun on a lathe, a machine that makes it twirl. As it spins, skilled artisans press coloured lac sticks against it. The friction creates heat, melting the lac and coating the wood in vibrant hues all derived from vegetal dyes. After the colourful transformation, the artisans use palm leaves to buff the toys to a beautiful shine. Despite the intricate designs, the craft relies on basic tools like chisels, hammers, and saws. The lathe takes center stage, along with a few modern helpers like drills and cutting machines.

The result- a host of handcrafted treasures ranging from toys, bangles, boxes, fruit bowls, Christmas decorations, photo frames, and jewellery stands to trays, coasters, and lamp stands. From dolls and animals to miniature toys and decorative items, the ‘toys town’ of Karnataka crafts it all. Channapatna's lacquerware industry is a thriving small-scale business, keeping the tradition of handcrafted toys alive.


Colourful ring wooden stacking doll figures. Channapatna toy town in India. Handicraft art work of the place. gifts and souvenir. Traditional wooden toys art form started in the reign of Tipu Sultan.

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Karnataka

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Colourful ring wooden stacking doll figures. Channapatna toy town in India. Handicraft art work of the place. gifts and souvenir. Traditional wooden toys art form started in the reign of Tipu Sultan.

A must-have souvenir

Channapatna toys and dolls are a testament to Karnataka's rich cultural heritage and artistry. The intricate designs, vibrant colours, and eco-friendly materials make them unique and thoughtful souvenirs for tourists. Whether one is interested in collecting authentic Indian craftsmanship or in gifting to a loved one, Channapatna toys and dolls are the perfect choice. Their universal appeal makes them a favourite among tourists, and you can find them in various shapes and sizes to suit your preferences. In 2006, the Channapatna toys and dolls were granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the government of India, protecting the rights of the artisans’ community. One can easily purchase these delightful souvenirs in handicraft stores scattered all across Channapatna.