• Channapatna Toys are traditional wooden toys and dolls.
• Location: Channapatna, Ramanagara district, Karnataka.
• Channapatna is popularly known as “Gombegala Ooru” (Toy Town) of Karnataka.
• The craft has GI protection.
• Traditionally, toys were made by lacquering Wrightia tinctoria wood.
• Wrightia tinctoria is locally known as Aale mara (ivory-wood).

History

• The popularity of Channapatna toys is associated with the patronage of Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore.
• Toys were historically given as gifts during Dusshera celebrations.
• Bavas Miyan introduced Japanese doll-making techniques to improve production.
• Ivory-wood was traditionally the main wood used for nearly two centuries.
• Rosewood and sandalwood were also occasionally used.

Manufacturing

• Main stages:
  • Procuring wood
  • Seasoning
  • Cutting into required shapes
  • Pruning and carving
  • Applying colours
  • Polishing
• Modern woods used include:
  • Rubber
  • Sycamore
  • Cedar
  • Pine
  • Teak
• Vegetable dyes are used to make the toys safer for children.
• Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation (KHDC) supports marketing and development.

Revival & Development

• The industry faced a financial crisis for more than a decade due to inadequate marketing.
• KHDC helped revive the craft and trained artisans according to changing market trends.
• Karnataka Government established a Lacquerware Craft Complex.
• The complex has a manufacturing centre with 32 turning lathe machines.
• Financial assistance was also provided through the Vishwa scheme with support from the Dutch Government and Karnataka Government.

⭐ Exam Quick Revision

• Channapatna Toys → Ramanagara, Karnataka
• Nickname → Gombegala Ooru (Toy Town)
• Traditional wood → Wrightia tinctoria
• Local name → Aale mara
• Major technique → Lacquering
• Associated ruler → Tipu Sultan
• Japanese techniques → Bavas Miyan
• Traditional colours → Vegetable dyes
• Marketing support → KHDC
• Craft Complex → Lacquerware Craft Complex
• Lathe machines → 32