Between the bustling cities of Bangalore and Mysore,
in the Ramanagara district nestles a small town, "Gombegala Nagara"
or "Gombegala Ooru" meaning; a land of toys. The name may not ring
the bell for some, but most of us would have seen the colorful, handmade
lacquer wooden toys; the reason for which the town derived its name and is
famous for the world over.
This charming little town of Channapatna is the birthplace of a more than 200-year-old tradition of the environment-friendly, precious craft of Channapatna toy making. The beauty of Channapatna toys lies in being lightweight yet strong, their colors, simplicity of the form, smooth texture, curved contours, the inherent nature of "learn with fun" concepts, and exquisite craftsmanship.
The moment one enters Gombegala town, one can't help noticing charming little toy-making units confined within homes. Channapatna toy-making craft has a rich history that goes back centuries. The most alluring part of this craft is that it is a small-scale industry that involves generations of knowledge, unique skill sets, and special techniques. The Channapatana toys have made a distinct mark in international markets and enjoy protection under Geographical Indication (GI).
The process of making Channapatna toys:
The Channapatna toy-making process is time and labor-intensive work.
These days the toys are made with woods like sycamore, cedar, pine,
teak, and rubber albeit, the soft ivory wood remains the preferred material for
the toys. This handcrafted toy-making process is elaborate and takes months from start to finish. It
involves seasoning (which usually takes two or three months), cutting, carving
(on a lathe, buffed with sandpaper or cactus leaf to obtain a smooth finish),
and applying lacquer/color. The artisans use vegetable dyes on the toys to
ensure they are safe for use by the children. Artisans of both manual and
mechanical units make non-toxic, non-chemical environment-friendly colors.
The artisans and entrepreneurs associated with the Channapatna toys craft feel the need for the town to be recognized for its woodcraft and not just wooden toys. According to them, the history of Channapatna dates back to time immemorial! Channapatna was known for a range of wooden artifacts. Things for everyday use enjoyed a place of pride among the elite class. The wooden walking sticks with elegant handles and the umbrellas with curved handles were considered a symbol of prestige and royalty.
For the last few years, the Channapatna toy-making industry has suffered heavily. With the advent of technology and markets, flooding with cheap, machine-made Chinese toy options, demand for this craft went on a steady decline, affecting the artisans depending solely on this craft. There were about 20,000 artisans involved with this craft two decades back. But with the slump in demand, most artisans left the industry and took up other employment options for survival.
Another crucial aspect affecting this industry is better employment options in the nearby cities. Being situated near two major cities of the state, artisans easily find better opportunities with better earnings. They are unwilling to take any chances by sticking to the craft that can’t guarantee their safe future. Hence the young generation of craftsmen families loathes entering this industry owing to its dwindling fate.
While a few enterprising entrepreneur-manufacturers are working towards withstanding competition and reviving the export market, banking on superior quality, safe construction, and material, there is a need for greater support from the state and central government. The craftsmen are also trying to adapt to the market trends by making artifacts and jewelry catering to contemporary demands.
Many traditional crafts have suffered due to a lack of support and viability. If we don't understand the value of this beautiful craft and encourage it, there is a danger of the art form becoming extinct like so many others that we have already lost.
very nicely projected the toy story. very artistic making toys from diff wood.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much !
DeleteNice article Simi. Went past recently, on our way to Thondanur. I remember having the rock and roll horse from Channapatna when we were kids ! I have a phone, and a Ganesha that I put up during Golu 😊. Cute stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sangeeta. Yes the toys are cute and safe for children. ☺️
DeleteI have always loved the Channapatna toys.. beautifully written but such a sad story..hope the new.ventures sicceed
ReplyDeleteThanks. The state and central governments are trying to support the artisans but they need push from the public also. Sadly, there isn't much awareness about our traditional art forms to the extent it should be. Maybe it's time for us people to extend that support vehemently. Thanks for dropping by ☺️
DeleteWe grew up playing with these toys and I still have a beautiful set of miniature Christmas tree ornaments from Channapatna.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a tragedy that we are letting go all our art and craft heritage in favour of cheaper, mass produced, synthetic goods.
At least those who can afford to, can contribute a little to this industry and should be buying a few pieces - to help keep traditions alive.
Indeed Swati. The craft is in sad state. A few artisans are trying hard and government also is trying to reach out but it is also the responsibility of people to understand, respect, value and support our arts and crafts. We have already lost so many of our rich arts and crafts already. Thanks for sharing your views.
DeleteNice article Simi. I love the Channapatna toys. These craftsmen also make bangles and I have them in so many colours and designs. There is a lot of innovation with time but their traditional wooden toys are still the best.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, they have started venturing into jewlry and other artifacts to suit the demand of current times but no match to charm of their traditional toys ! :)
DeleteI enjoyed reading this. There is a joyful honesty about these toys that plastic lacks. I don’t know why we don’t find more of these in the markets.
ReplyDeleteSo true. The old world charm, raw beauty and use of environment friendly material make these toys safe and special. Unfortunately, few artisans continue this craft and one finds these toys only at handicrafts exhibitions and state emporiums. Thanks Payal.
DeleteI enjoyed reading this. There is a joyful honesty about these toys that plastic lacks. I don’t know why we don’t find more of these in the markets.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful article! Not only encouraging it generates econo6for the craftsmen but it is very safe and healthy for our kids too. I used to pick some up from the exibitions.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nimisha. Yes I also pick up these toys and other artifacts for gifting purpose. The modern toys don't have that charm no?😊
DeleteI used to buy these toys regularly but had no clue about the history. Thanks so much Simi for enlightening us. I do hope some benefactors take it upon themselves to look after this craft and craftsmen.
ReplyDeleteAs usual you write so well that I can see the toys come alive before my eyes.
So , thank you so much.
I'm so glad you liked the article and could relate to the craft. Thanks for your appreciation. Let's hope the craft survives and thrives but for that to happen, we all must support it whatever way we can. 😊
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