Channapatna Toys

Why in news?

• Augmented Reality of Channapatna Toys were displayed at First Movers Coalition (FMC) Leadership Meeting of the World Economic Forum.

About Channapatna Toys:

• Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys (and dolls) that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka.
• This traditional craft is protected as a Geographical Indication (GI).
• As a result of the popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka.

How they are made?

• Traditionally, the work involved lacquering the wood of the Wrightia tinctoria tree, colloquially called Aale mara (ivory-wood).
• In addition to the traditional ivory-wood, other woods—including rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine and teak—are now used as well to create toys.
• The origin of these toys can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan who invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys.
• The toys are laced with vegetable dyes and colours devoid of chemicals and hence they are safe for children.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Channapatna, a town famous for its toy craft tradition is located in:

(a) Karnataka

(b) Andhra Pradesh

(c) Maharashtra

(d) Gujarat

Answer