As an expert in the field of traditional toys and dolls, I have had the privilege of studying and understanding the rich history and cultural significance of wooden toys. One particular form that has captured my attention is the Channapatna toys, which are manufactured in the city of Channapatna in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. These toys are not only famous in India, but they have also gained popularity worldwide for their unique craftsmanship and vibrant colors. The tradition of making wooden toys is not limited to Channapatna. In fact, there are other regions in India that have been following this craft for centuries.
For example, Sawantwadi in Ratnagiri is known for its wooden toys made with traditional techniques. The history of these toys can be traced back to thousands of years ago when spinning tops made of clay were discovered in the Middle East. Later, wooden spinning tops emerged around 2000 BC and were found in Europe as well. What makes Channapatna toys unique is that they are not produced on a large scale by big companies. Instead, they are made by skilled professionals who work from their homes.
The first step in making these toys is to carefully select the right type of wood. Pine, sandalwood, ivory, and teak are some of the woods that are hunted throughout the state for this purpose. The wood is then seasoned and air-dried to reduce its moisture content, which increases its durability. Next comes the process of shaping and carving the wood into different sizes and designs. While this was previously done manually, nowadays machines are used to speed up the process. The city of Channapatna, also known as the Toy Town of India, is home to these colorful wooden toys.
These toys have gained so much popularity that they have been given the Geographical Indication (GI) label. Traditionally, these toys were made of ivory, but now they are made with a variety of woods such as sycamore, cedar, pine, teak, and even rubber. The colors used to paint these toys are vegetable dyes, making them safe for young children to play with. Over time, the range of wooden toys has expanded to include religious and cultural themes, as well as modern designs. In Haryana, you can find an innovative range of toys and dolls such as babushka dolls, lacquer dolls, thread puppets, Indian clay toys, leather plush toys, traditional dolls, Indian cloth dolls, matryoshka dolls, wooden dolls, collectible Indian dolls, nested dolls, wooden puppets, cotton dolls, papier-mache dolls, handmade toys, Russian dolls and stuffed animals. The state of Punjab has a long history of making wooden toys, dating back to the Indus Valley civilization from 2500 to 1700 BC.
However, Channapatna has been known as the land of toys for centuries and continues to produce intricate pieces of art and wooden dolls. The final step in making these toys is coloring them with oil and watercolor or applying vegetable dyes and enamel paints depending on the type of toy. In Varanasi, skilled craftsmen have been practicing and passing on this art for generations. The end result is not just a toy but a piece of art that can beautify any home. Aside from toys, Channapatna also produces other wooden products such as puzzles, key rings, wall tapestries, and kitchen utensils. The main wood used for these products is ivory wood, also known as alae mara in Kannada, which gives a polished look to the finished product. As an expert in this field, I can confidently say that Channapatna is a magical city that will captivate anyone who visits it.
Located just sixty kilometers southwest of Bengaluru, this city is also known as Gombegala ooru or the city of toys. The popularity of these toys can be attributed to Shri Chitti Raju, a descendant of the Rajus who were the traditional owners of the Etikoppaka village in Visakhapatnam. The process of making these toys involves obtaining the wood, seasoning it, shaping and carving it, and finally painting and polishing it. Each step requires skill and precision, which is why these toys are not mass-produced. Instead, they are carefully crafted by skilled professionals who take pride in their work.
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