Channapatna toys

Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys (and dolls) that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna in the Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka state, India. This traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the Government of Karnataka. As a result of the popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka. Traditionally, the work involved lacquering the wood of the Wrightia tinctoria tree, colloquially called Aale mara (ivory-wood).

History

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.School Bavas Miyan is the father of Channapatna Toy. He is the one to sacrifice his life for channapatna toys. He adopt Japanese technology for toys making and help the local artisans improve there art For nearly two centuries, ivory-wood was the main wood used in the making of these toys, though rosewood and sandalwood were also occasionally used.

Channapatna

Channapatna is a city located 60 km south-west of Bangalore, India on Bangalore-Mysore state highway. The city is famous for its wooden toys and lacquerware. In the native language (kannada), Channapatna is also called as "goMbegaLa ooru" meaning town of toys in English. These toys are manufactured in tradational and advanced small scale industries. Manufacturing and twisting of raw silk, rice, ragi and coconut is a major product of Channapatna taluk. The temple of Lord Aprameya Swamy is nearby.

Channapatna taluk comes under Ramanagara District. Its headquarters is located in Bangalore-Mysore highway. The total geographical area of the taluk is 53,587 hectares. It has three hoblies namely 1) Kasaba 2) Malur 3) Virupakshapura. Channapatna is one of the 57 cities in Karnataka under the Nirmala Nagara - Municipal eGovernance project. Under this project, the city obtained its website as well as the Public Grievance & Redressal module from 15 August 2005.

Geography

Channapatna is located at 12°39′N 77°13′E / 12.65°N 77.22°E / 12.65; 77.22. It has an average elevation of 739 metres (2424 ft).