The History and Heritage of Channapatna Toys of Karnataka

Originating from the heartland of Karnataka, Channapatna toys embody the beauty of our Indian heritage and the finesse in the talent of the artisans. In this blog, let us explore the captivating history of these adorable toys as they make their way from the little town of Channapatna to an international audience. 

History Associated With Channapatna Toys

The intriguing history of Channapatna toys takes us back to the 18th century when Mysore’s ruler Tipu Sultan, brought artisans from Persia to train the craftsmen in the region. He was known to have a keen eye for art and creativity. Hence, he played an active role in making this art form thrive locally. 

Traditionally, these toys were made from ivory wood and natural dyes were used for giving colour. Artisans used turmeric for yellow, spinach for green and beetroot for red. Furthermore, the glazed look on Channapatna toys comes from Lacquer which is derived from the Lacquer tree. Nowadays, mango wood and sandalwood are also used besides ivory wood. One of the most noteworthy features of these toys is that they are kid-safe. In addition to being chemical-free, the shape of these toys is also edgeless and rounded. The Channapatna toys craft has gained so much popularity all across the nation that the little town of Channapatna is fondly known as the toy town or Gombegala Ooru of Karnataka. 

Explore An Exquisite Range Of Channapatna Wooden Toys   

Channapatna toys don’t just look aesthetically pleasing but they are non-toxic and totally safe for children. Therefore, some of the most common varieties of Channapatna toys are animal figurines, rattles, dolls, play sets etc. Moreover, you can also find souvenirs, coasters, home decor items and various other products online and in stores.

If you want to get your hands on some amazing Channapatna toys, we suggest you check out the following options from iTokri:

• Owl - Channapatna Handmade Wooden Tealight Candle Holder

These traditional tealight candle holders will amplify the appeal of your table layout. These are hand-painted with natural dyes and hence are completely safe and chemical free. 

• Classical Doll - Channapatna Handmade Wooden Toy

This lovely Channapatna doll can liven up any space that you place this in. Moreover, this toy is absolutely safe for children and you can let your kid play with this without any worry. The simple design and vibrant colours will make you fall in love with this handmade doll. 

• Channapatna Handmade Wooden Coasters

These handmade Channapatna coasters are made from premium quality food-grade quality hardwood. They are definite eye-catchers and will fetch you a lot of compliments from your guests. 

In conclusion, Chanapattna toys of Karnataka's town of Channapatna, have a unique place in the world of handmade goods. These colourful and environmentally friendly wooden toys have entertained kids for years while also preserving a great tradition of craftsmanship. They are a brilliant example of artistic expression that is environmentally conscientious due to their use of natural dyes and lacquer as well as their emphasis on sustainable practices. Find a variety of Chanapattana toys and home decor items on iTokri, your favourite Indian Handicrafts Online Store.

FAQs or Frequently Asked Questions

• Are these toys breakable?

Channapatna toys are made from wood which makes them very durable. However, they aren’t prone to breakage if extreme pressure is applied. Therefore, it is a good idea to handle them with care to preserve them for a long time. 

• Can I wash them to keep them clean?

Channapatna toys are made from wood and natural dyes. Therefore, it is not a good idea to clean them with soap, water or any other harsh cleaning agent. Instead, you can use a damp cloth to gently clean the toys. Make sure that you don’t let the toys stay moist for long as it can damage the quality.