In the Indian town of Channapatna, located in the state of Karnataka in the southern part of the country, traditional craftsmanship of wooden toys attracts attention. This town is famous for its bright wooden toys made from softwood, painted with natural dyes such as turmeric and indigo. The process of creating toys includes the use of lathe machines and other mechanisms, which helps to keep the craft economically viable.
The history of toy manufacturing in Channapatna dates back to the 18th century, when the Mysore governor Tippu Sultan instructed artists from Persia to train local residents. Despite competition from mass production toys from other sources, including cheap Chinese variants, the craft still continues to thrive in the region.
The increased interest in products from Channapatna occurred in 2010, when former First Lady of the USA Michelle Obama probed the significant number of toys in New Delhi during her official visit to India. Earlier, toys were entirely handmade, but the use of electric lathe machines and other devices helped maintain the sustainability of the craft.
Today’s masters not only appreciate the quality of the wooden toys but also the joy that this process brings them. The production of these toys is not only a source of income but also serves as a source of satisfaction and happiness.
However, with the emergence of fewer artisans, mechanization has become a necessity to fulfill various tasks. Therefore, even despite challenges from cheaper alternatives, the craft of producing wooden toys in Channapatna continues to live and develop, astonishing with its unique creations and preserving the traditions and heritage of this ancient art.
