Channapatna toys facts for kids
Channapatna toys are special wooden toys and dolls made in the town of Channapatna, Karnataka, India. This town is in the Ramanagara district. Because these toys are so famous, Channapatna is often called Gombegala Ooru, which means "toy-town" in Karnataka.
This traditional craft is very old and important. It is protected as a geographical indication (GI). This means that only toys made in Channapatna can be called Channapatna toys. This protection helps keep the craft unique.
Originally, these toys were made by coating wood with a shiny finish called lacquer. The wood often came from the Wrightia tinctoria tree, also known as Aale mara or ivory-wood.
How Channapatna Toys Are Made
Over time, the way these toys are made has changed a bit. Besides the traditional ivory-wood, artisans now use other types of wood. These include rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine, and teak.
The process of making these toys has several steps:
- First, the wood is gathered.
- Then, it is dried properly.
- Next, the wood is cut into the right shapes.
- After that, the toys are carefully shaped and carved.
- Finally, natural dyes are used to add bright colours. The toys are then polished to make them shiny.
Using vegetable dyes is important. It makes sure the toys are safe for children to play with. In 2011, about 254 home workshops and 50 small factories were making these toys. Many people in Channapatna work in this craft.
How the Toy Industry Grew
For a long time, the Channapatna toy industry faced many problems. There was not enough support or marketing. The craft was almost going to disappear.
However, things started to get better. The Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation (KHDC) helped to save the industry. They trained the artisans. This training helped them learn about new trends in toy making.
Master craftsmen also design new toy ideas. Local artisans then use these ideas to create beautiful toys and dolls. The Government of Karnataka also helped by building a special craft complex. This complex has 32 turning lathe machines for making toys.
Financial help was also given to the artisans. This support came from the Dutch Government and the Karnataka Government's Vishwa scheme. Many new companies and groups are now helping the Channapatna craft. They are making new designs that people today will like. One group, iFolk Channapatna toys and handicrafts, helps artisans create new and modern products.
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Channapatna toys
