One peaceful morning, under the bright sun, we embarked on a journey from Bangalore to Channapatna, filled with curiosity about the famous Channapatna toys. Our plans were haphazard; we simply set off without a clear direction of how we would learn about what the Channapatna toys are or whom we should meet to learn about their history.
After nearly two hours of travel, we arrived in "Gombegala Ooru or Toy City" of Karnataka, Channapatna. Unsure of where to start exploring its origins, we decided to search for nearby toy shops and discovered Bharath Arts and Crafts.
The store was truly fascinating! They showcased a diverse range of Channapatna Toys merchandise featuring Marvel characters and much more. It opened our eyes to the remarkable adaptability of this craft. Curious to learn more, we approached the store's manager, a woman, in hopes of discussing and delving deeper into understanding the origins of Channapatna Toys. Unfortunately, she didn't have much knowledge on the subject. Instead, she recommended that we pay a visit to their manufacturing unit at the Channapatna Crafts Park (India’s first crafts park to help preserve, nurture and increase the production of wood crafts, lacquerware and natural fiber products), where we would have the opportunity to tour the unit accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
After that, we visited another store close by where the owner recommended that we visit Sri Beereshwara Arts & Crafts for more thorough and helpful assistance. After making a few turns from the store, we arrived at the recommended place.
The store owner's son greeted us and gave us permission to tour the manufacturing unit and engage with the craftsmen.
History of Channapatna Toys
I initially inquired one of the craftsmen about the origins and pioneers of this craft and how it became popularized.
The origins of Channapatna toys making are unclear, with varying opinions on where or when it truly began. One of the most popular theories is that Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysuru State from 1782 to 1799, played an important role in its global popularity. Tipu Sultan was known for his innovative ideas and economic prowess. He implemented an export-import policy to boost the prosperity of his kingdom. Apparently, during his reign, he even encouraged Persian artists to purchase Channapatna toys, further spreading their allure.
While some debate the extent of Tipu Sultan's contribution to the prosperity of Channapatna artisans and the promotion of this craft beyond the boundaries of Channapatna and Mysuru State, there is no denying his lasting impact on their growth.
Moreover, along with Tipu Sultan, the local resident Syed Bawa Saheb Miyan, also known as Bawas Miyan, has also played a vital role in popularizing and significantly expanding the production of Channapatna toys.
In 2005, Channapatna Toys received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in order to protect the interests of the artisans of the Channapatna town and increase the value of assurance and quality in the market.
Channapatna toy making process
As I engaged in conversation with them, I continued watching the craftsman skillfully create and assemble various pieces. This piqued my curiosity, leading me to inquire about the production process and the origins of the raw materials. The craftsmen excitedly provided a thorough explanation of the entire process.
To produce these toys, essential raw materials such as ivory wood, lac, and screw pine tree leaves are needed, alongside synthetic materials like paints and pigments.
The tradition of toy making began with the use of locally available ‘Hale mara’ (ivory wood), scientifically known as Wrightia tinctoria. The ivory wood tree is mainly found within a 100 km radius of Channapatna, growing in farmlands, forests, and village wastelands. The craftsmen usually prefer ivory wood for this sustainable craft, but silver oak, redwood, and rosewood are also used to create these exquisite toys.
Lac, a deposit formed by the Tachadria lacca insect, is commonly located on the barks of timber trees in forested areas. During Tipu Sultan's rule, lac naturally occurred in the forests near Channapatna. Nowadays, lac is acquired from other states, such as Tamil Nadu. The process of making lacquerware from lac starts with heating it on a wooden stick until it becomes malleable. A specific amount of lithophone is then mixed with the softened lac until a white tint emerges. Finally, natural dye is added and mixed until the desired tint is achieved.
The Screw pine tree is a palm-like, evergreen tree, with long, thick leaves that grow on the banks of ponds and lakes and are used to polish toys after the application of lac, to make the toys bright and lustrous.
The steps involved in the process are listed below:
Step 1: Procuring raw material:
The raw materials are sourced and prepared on-site.
Step 2: Wood seasoning:
Wood is seasoned close to wood workshops. Logs are cut into billets, and seasoned until they are dry and can be turned on the lathe.
Step 3: Lac preparation:
Lac sticks are made by mixing lac with a lithophone.
Step 4: Shaping:
Toys are shaped using hand tools and a lathe.
Step 5: Lacquering:
Lac is applied while the toy is on the lathe. The resulting friction causes lac to bind to the surface of the toy.
Step 6: Polishing:
The toys are polished using screw pine leaves to make the surface smooth and lustrous.
Present situation & the way forward
When the craftsmen mentioned sourcing materials from different states, I couldn't help but wonder how the craft has managed to survive for so long, and question its longevity. Because when speaking with the craftsmen about their wages and families, it became clear that they are unsatisfied as they are only paid enough to provide for their children's education and to put food on the table. Their greatest hope is for their children to receive a better education and make a better living than they do.
The craftsmen also pointed out that, while the popularity of Channapatna Toys hasn't decreased significantly, the issue lies in the presence of counterfeit Chinese products being sold alongside the genuine ones. These cheaper alternatives attract buyers, despite the fact that the materials used in Channapatna toys are natural and safe for children, unlike those in Chinese products. There is a lack of awareness among consumers, leading them to purchase items without considering their authenticity.
Another craftsman also interrupted and pointed out that the government does not provide much support for local crafts, or has few programs or schemes in place for the benefit of craftsmen. “Additionally, the rising cost of living is making it difficult for us to sustain ourselves with our daily wages. While the owners profit, the craftsmen receive comparatively less, and not all of us have the means to start our own small business with the skills we possess” he ended.
After having a thought provoking conversation with the craftsmen, we noticed the owner's son seated in his office. We approached him to inquire about his perspective on the longevity of the Channapatna toys. He expressed concern, stating, "This craft is at risk of disappearing within the next 20-25 years due to the present generation lacking the dedication to learn and master it." They are drawn to profitable opportunities in big cities and are not as connected to toy making as previous generations. Additionally, he emphasized that toy making is not exclusive to the people of Channapatna - anyone can invest in the necessary equipment, establish their own unit, and start producing toys in their preferred designs. The important factor is genuine interest and dedication to the craft.
That brought to mind something one of the craftsmen had mentioned, “The love for this craft has been passed down to us for generations, creating an automatic connection since we grew up observing our parents practicing them. Outsiders often lack interest in traditional art forms because they have little exposure to them, perceiving them solely as a source of income. However, if they truly wish to pursue these art forms, they must go into the depths of it, understand and appreciate its cultural significance, and develop a passionate dedication towards mastering them.”
Well, it is true. Understanding the history and cultural significance of any art and craft is essential in order to fully appreciate and protect it. If we don’t really understand it, how else are we going to respect or protect it? Whether the Channapatna toys will cease to exist in the future depends on us solely, and we hold the responsibility to study them closely, understand their significance, and create opportunities for their growth.
I firmly believe that there is great potential for Channapatna Toys to expand in the market, as every child requires toys for play, and what could be better than toys crafted from all-natural materials, which is sustainable and safe? Furthermore, they are not just limited to toys, you could literally create anything using the raw materials!
After an enlightening conversation with the craftsmen, we headed to the Channapatna Crafts Park for a guided tour. The guide walked us through the intricate process of making the Channapatna toys. After which, we concluded the day and made our way back to Bangalore wondering about the future state and potential growth of the Channapatna toys.
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