In this edition of traditional toys, I’d like to share glimpses of Bengaluru’s Town of Toys, also known as the Land of Toys for centuries. Children are among the earliest teachers because they learn about nature, society, and important life skills through toys. Toys are essential for the development of children. At a certain age, they gain knowledge about various aspects of life and integrate into society. I’m focusing on realistic Channapatna wooden toys with modern designs that appeal to the buyer’s environment. These toys complement and beautify their surroundings.

Let us investigate the history and significance of this traditional toy-making art.

Chennapatna  Lacquerware’s inception

• Small villages are the birthplace of all traditional arts. Channapatna Town, located in Ramnagara District, is a small village in Karnataka. This town is also known as Gombegala Nagara, which translates to “toy town.”
• Previously, Channapatana was known as Chandapura.
• Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, encouraged this art and persuaded Persians to come to India and teach the art of making wooden toys, which he was passionate about.
• Bavas Miyan has dedicated his life to assisting regional toymakers in their craft and introducing cutting-edge technology to Channapatna in order to improve the toys. He is regarded as the “Father” of Channapatna toys.

The manufacturing of toys

1. The acquisition of raw materials, which are soplanks, begins the production, which is sourced from local suppliers and seasoned for 1 to 3 months depending on the size of the toys.
2. They are cut into pieces in accordance with the specifications. 2. They are cut into pieces in accordance with the specifications. The wood is shaped into spherical, circular, or oval shapes using a chisel according to the design.
3. Sandpaper is used to smooth the surface.
4. The lacquering process begins once the wood has been shaped into the desired shape.
5. The lacquer is applied uniformly, imparting shine and luster to the product.
6. Varner calipers and dividers are frequently used by the artisans.
7. Decorative work on the surface of the toy is also done at this stage.

Tools and Machines

1. Chisels and files: 
2. Machine lathe
3. Verner’s Caliper Verner caliper,
4. hammers and partitions

Coloring-making process:

1. Preparation of vegetable dyes  that are dried naturally.
2. When it is hardened, made into colored sticks
3. The colors are even bled into the lacquer.
4. Once the colors are mixed these are then made into sticks and dried

The main themes chosen by these artisans in making products are

• Toys like dolls, different types of interesting shirts, trains, bullock-carts,small vintage tortoises,ships, etc. Wall hangers, candle stands, jewelry, beads,earrings, key chains etc
• Cars, bikes, and scooters are regularly made in Channapatna. animals like tortoises,ships, pigs, etc. Wall hangers, candle stands, jewelry, beads,earrings, key chains etc

Significance

1. Until today, toys were man-made and had 200 years of tradition.
2. Ivory or aale mara wood is used in making these toys. Occasionally, sandalwood and rosewood are also used.
3. These are eco-friendly toys and safe for kids to play with as they are dipped in vegetable or edible colors to brighten up the wood.
4. Among the three Rs, wood shaving and chiseling waste is reused to make incense.
5. These toys can be gifted according to the occasion.

Conclusion

The incredible streets of Channapatana are filled with colorful wooden toys that one cannot find anywhere else. The GI tag was administered by the Karnataka government in 2006. The Prime Minister paid a brief visit to Chennapatna recently and urged us to protect our rich heritage of traditional toy making. In order to increase sales, he also directed officials to make these toys available for purchase online.