The Incredible World of Toys at Channapatna, Karnataka

Detailed overview:

Channapatna town is situated in the Bengaluru Rural district and is renowned for the unique style of wooden toys and dolls. The Government of Karnataka has protected the traditional craft of making toys as a geographical indication declared by the World Trade Organization. Channapatna is also known as “GombegalaOoru” of Karnataka which translates as “toy town”. The craft of toy making in this place is characterized by the process of lacquering the wood of the Aalemara or ivory-wood tree.

The history of Channapatna stories is also a prominent attraction of this town. Tipu Sultan was believed to have invited artisans from Persia to train the locals in the art of making wooden toys. BavasMiyan is known as the father of the Channapatna toy and has been believed to have sacrificed his life for the art. He has also been credited for the use of Japanese technology in toy making as well as helping the local artisans in improving their art. Ivory-wood has been the primary material used for making Channapatna toys with rosewood and sandalwood finding occasional use.

The craft of toy making in Channapatna has evolved drastically over time particularly in terms of the material used for the art. Apart from the usual ivory-wood, many other materials such as rubber and wood from teak, cedar, and pine are being used now. The process of making these toys include obtaining the wood, seasoning, and cutting of wood into required shapes, pruning and carving the toys followed by application of colors and polishing the toy. Vegetable dyes are used as colors so that the toys and dolls are suitable for children. Over 6000 people in Channapatna are engaged in toy making across 50 small factories and 254 home manufacturing units.

India’s first crafts park is also located in Channapatna known as the Channapatna Crafts Park. The park was established for helping the toy making artisans to nurture and improve their skills with promising employment opportunities. The park has adequate infrastructure and manufacturing facilities for the production of natural fiber products and woodcraft lacquerware. Architects and designers could also use the infrastructure facilities for crafting and production of lacquerware wooden products. The Common Facility Service Centre of the park is equipped with best in industry woodworking machines with another Common Facility Service Centre in development for natural fiber. Various manufacturers-exporters are also opening up individual manufacturing centers within the park.