Channapatna toys are pieces of great beauty and elegance. They are colourful, non-toxic, lightweight and easy to carry. The handicraft derives its name from a small town located around 60 kilometres away from Bengaluru, on the way to Mysuru. As the centre of this unique craft, Channapatna has earned the sobriquet of Gombegala Nadu (toy land).

Many historians credit Tipu Sultan with the popularization of these toys. They believe that he invited artisans from Persia to train local people. Some have a different opinion about his role. They say he has encouraged Persians to buy handicrafts from local artisans.

Another important name that pops up when you look up, is Bawas Miyan. He travelled to Japan and learnt the craft of toy making and lacquering. He is known as the father of Channapatana toys.

Let’s see how the toys are made into perfection

The first step is to find the right wood. Ivory wood, locally identified as hale mara, is the main wood used in toy making. Some artisans use other woods such as rosewood, sandal and teakwood. But the traditional toymakers still use ivory wood for most of their work.

Ivory wood-the lifeline of toymakers

Ivory wood is a common species in farmlands of Channapatna and nearby places such as Ramnagara and Kanakapura. Insects such as bees pollinate the trees and seeds are dispersed by wind. The species has medicinal uses as an anthelmintic, and for treatment of psoriasis, fever, skin ailments, etc. The softwood quickly absorbs colours and is ideal for carving.

Process of toy making

Ivory trees are harvested from 5 years of age. Next step is air-drying the wood to make it moisture-free. This process takes anywhere from two weeks to one month depending on the sunshine available. The dried wood is then cut into pieces of desired size and shape.

The vibrant, glossy colours are made mixing natural colouring agents like turmeric (for yellow) and Kumkum (for red), to lacquer ( an insect-derived resin). This process is completely machine free.

Why you should buy these toys?

Channapatna toys are a great non-toxic replacement for cheap Chinese plastic toys for our kids. They are not only beautiful embellishments to our shelves but are items of immense cultural heritage value also. Buying them is a great way of lending support to a vulnerable community as well.