History
The story of Channapatna toys and dolls begins in the 18th century with Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Like many ancient crafts of India, Channapatna toys too had once enjoyed royal patronage. A keen admirer of art, particularly woodwork, Tipu Sultan invited Persian artisans to train local craftsmen in the art of lacquerware. This laid the foundation for Channapatna's unique toy-making tradition which evolved with the incorporation of local aesthetic sensibilities. However, it was in the 20th century, that lacquerware products began to be manufactured. Today, the Channapatna toys industry is a means of livelihood for over 1,500 artisans of the Ramanagara district.
Craftsmanship and material
The eco-friendly toys and dolls of Channapatna are crafted from locally-grown hale wood, known for its softness and lightness, as the base material. The wood is spun on a lathe, a machine that makes it twirl. As it spins, skilled artisans press coloured lac sticks against it. The friction creates heat, melting the lac and coating the wood in vibrant hues all derived from vegetal dyes. After the colourful transformation, the artisans use palm leaves to buff the toys to a beautiful shine. Despite the intricate designs, the craft relies on basic tools like chisels, hammers, and saws. The lathe takes center stage, along with a few modern helpers like drills and cutting machines.
The result- a host of handcrafted treasures ranging from toys, bangles, boxes, fruit bowls, Christmas decorations, photo frames, and jewellery stands to trays, coasters, and lamp stands. From dolls and animals to miniature toys and decorative items, the ‘toys town’ of Karnataka crafts it all. Channapatna's lacquerware industry is a thriving small-scale business, keeping the tradition of handcrafted toys alive.
