The Toy Trail - Student Publication

THE TOY TRAIL

Discovering Channapatna - The City of Toys

Copyright Rhea Sinha The Toy-Trail ©️ 2021, Rhea Sinha Self-published (rhea271220@gmail.com) All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, stored in a database and / or published in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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Preface My visit to the cluster, was one that was overdue. For years I’ve been fascinated by the colorful, vibrant and adorned Channapatna wooden toys, and now I’m inspired by the story behind them. What started off with a simple objective of documenting the process of making of the craft, turned into an eye-opening rich experience that I am grateful for. There are many I would like to thank without who’s help, support and guidance I would not have been able to complete this project.

My professors, Mr. B. Venkatesh and the artisans who let me document their work and interview them, if I were to mention a few. The book The Toy Trail, digs deeper into what might seem like innocent decorative toys and what goes on behind the curtains and into making them. From the history of the craft, to the toy town of Karnataka, to its use, about the craft cluster, about the materials the process and the list goes on till the problems or areas of improvement the craft is fixing and what is being done and could be done to keep the craft going.

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Foreword When one thinks of their childhood, what we most often remember is cherishing my happy moments filled with innocence. What is one’s childhood like if not a strong and sturdy base decorated with beautiful memories filled with color? Much like the wooden Channapatna Toy. A trip back in time, into a world you never know existed the world of the lacquer wooden toy in the ‘Toy-town’ of Karnataka.

That’s what this publication is all about. Discovering the origin of the craft, understanding the techniques that go into making it and listening to the untold stories of the Artisans who pour in their all to come up with these toys.

The life of these toys might seem colorless, with its fair share of downfalls and what is beginning to look like a slow decline, but because of the passion and honest labor that the artisans put in, the colorful and vibrant toys still manage to hold a special place in the lives of the innocent.

And after reading about their lifestyle, their unnoticed work and all the rough stages they’ve faced, their constant determination and diligence will hold a special place in yours.

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Contents 32

In the Archives

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At the Assembly Line

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Tale as Old as Time

What’s in Store

The Next Step

Inside the Toolbox

12 The City of Toys

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58 In the Records

From the Artisans

On Your To-do 64 List

About the Trade

Epilog

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25 Charm of Channapatna

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Specs

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About the Researcher

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Photo-op

After the Debacle

Citation

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In the Archives History of Indian Crafts Handicrafts have been around for as long as one can remember, there’s no definite answer but some crafts even date back to the Indus Valley Civilization in 3000 BC. Since, an endless number of crafts have originated and flourished.

Over the decades, the tradition of crafts in India has grown around factors like religious values, needs of the common people and wants to the ruling elite. In addition to this both domestic and foreign trade have played a huge hand in the evolution of craft.

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We’ve seen a significant development in the realms of textile, stone crafts, metal craft, painting, music, pottery craft, wood craft and many more.

Forms that began as an expression of inner creativity in later course, evolved as full vocation. The reason why these crafts have been able to withstand the depredation of time and several foreign invasions and continue to flourish till date is mainly due to the open mindedness of the humble Indian handicraftsmen to accept and assimilate new ideas.

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The Deccan land is blessed with plethora of regal tradition and heritage. South India is endowed with culture which is vividly visible in its handicrafts, making it a true shopper’s paradise. But these handicrafts not only add a charm to the attractions of the respective state, but also serve as a medium of livelihood to most of the artisans. Be it a needle craft or bronze castings, wood craft or stone craft- these items are made in a way that you can easily add them in your lifestyle.

A trip to south India would truly be incomplete without a glimpse of these handicrafts cultures which depict the unbelievable talent of the local artisans. Be it woodwork in Karnataka, Pottery in Tamil Nadu, embroidery in Kerala or weaving in Andhra 15

Before you read this book, the name Channapatna will probably just be a small town with a fancy name to you. Tucked away somewhere between the border of the Ramnagara and the Mandya district, about 60 kilometers from Bangalore, is the birthplace of an iconic craft. ‘Welcome to the city of toys’ reads the blue banner as you get off the Bangalore-Mysore highway, in local parlance its also often known as ‘Gombegala Ooru’ (in Kannada) which directly translates to Toy-town.

The City of Toys Around and about Channapatna

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As in most small towns in south India, both the economic and the social life of the people in Channapatna town mainly revolves around the vicinity of a mosque or a temple. But what makes it stand out is its streets that are lined with vibrant wooden toys and beautifully carved lacquerware all of which are made by hand by talented local artisans and smallscale businesses.

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Ever heard of a toy that can boast of having a history that’s over 300 years old? The story of Channapatna toys, like every grand tale began with a king.

Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan received a gift from the Persians. A gift that left him so excited, he went as far as to take the initiative to invite the Persians artisans over so they would train his local Artisans in Mysore, and thus was born the Channapatna Wooden Toy.

Tale as Old as Time Origin and History of the craft

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But there’s two sides to every coin, there are some less popular theories that suggest the craft grew as a result of machine tools that were brought in to Mysore by the British in the 19th century. Since both Tipu and Hyder Ali were fond of experimenting with new machinery and new possibilities, there is a fair chance that either of the two might have encouraged the use of lathes in making the toys.

Today, you’ll see that most of the Artisans in Channapatna belong to the same lineages of Artisans who settled in Channapatna over two centuries ago with the birth of the craft. The craft of the Channapatna Wooden Toy making is certainly one that’s managed to remain classic, timeless and still keep up with the contemporary world. Artisans in Channapatna remain true to the process and use only soft-ivory wood to make the products, most even prefer still using traditional methods to make the toys.

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What’s in Store About the Products,USP and Target Audience

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Eccentric, vibrant, exotic - the toys of Channapatna truly are one of a kind. With time, they’ve even managed to make their mark in the international circuit. Smaller businesses like Sri Beereshwara Arts & Crafts or Katerpillar lacquered wooden toys thrive on exports. And what make these toys even more appealing to wider markets is that they are good for the environment and completely non-toxic, from the colors used to adorn the toys, to the soft ivory wood used to make them.

Channapatna Toys are famous world-wide for not just their rich heritage, impeccable design or creative innovation but also for the sustainable and safe future they promise. At Beereshwara, even the packaging and collateral made for the export of the toys is entirely eco-friendly.

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And the products don’t fall short when it comes to their diversity either, from traditional wooden toys like tops, rattles etc. to innovative puzzles or contemporary wooden kitchen sets. From small souvenir keychains that could fit into your pocket to big rocking horses for toddlers.

Artisans have even begun to apply the same skills into daily use products like trays or smaller storage boxes, show-pieces like deities or décor or even kitchenware like spoons or ladles. Availability of variety is endless when it comes to craft. Old-school or contemporary, big or small.

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The target audience for the craft also ranges widely. Since the Channapatna wooden toy industry relies strongly on export to make their profit – they target both Indians and foreigners. From the comfort of their homes through online mediums, retail outlets in their own cities or even tourists both Indian and International travelling to and around Karnataka. The craft’s audience groups also include handicraft collectors or enthusiasts and locals wanting to purchase these toys for their children or as gifts for friends and family.

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The Charm of Channapatna Sri Beereshwara Arts and Crafts Emporium

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Apart from the puerile, treasured and timeless wooden Channapatna toys what really makes the toy town of Karnataka even more charming is that the craft is practiced not only in big industrial settings by under-paid and overworked workers but it is also practiced in smaller confined factories and home businesses.

Cultivated and refined from his father’s smaller home business that was over 40 years old, in 2011, Artisan Mr. B Venkatesh established - Sri Beereshwara Arts & Crafts also popularly known as ‘Katerpillar lacquered wooden toys’ The organisation has since made a name for itself in the list of India’s top verified sellers offering supreme quality within preset time limits.

To Mr. Venkatesh- a Caterpillar represents the joy of a bright and colourful childhood, or even a young child’s playfulness and yearning to grow into spirited and zestful butterflies. What makes the business stand out is their endless flow of creativity and innovation when it comes to designing newer, modern toys that meet the market’s needs. Here at Katerpillar enterprises– ‘Your happiness is our motto.’.

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‘If you give up on your dreams, your dreams will give up on you.’ Mr. B Venkatesh- renowned artisan and owner of Katerpillar Enterprises doesn’t only produce toys that play great roles in story-telling, but also has an inspiring story of his own to share.

At the young age of 10, the he had the privilege of not just playing with the many Channapatna toys his hard-working father made but he also got to learn the valued art of toy making from him. But just like every fairy-tale this one too has a fair share of struggle.

It all started when a pubescent boy made a tough decision to quit pursuing further studies after secondary school and continue pursuing his dreams instead. And it wasn’t an easy entry into the industry either.

For twenty something years Mr. B Venkatesh struggled with his work, but he didn’t let the failure stop him and today, he’s managed to set an example for retailers and manufacturers all over Channapatna.

When asked about the secret to his success, and his answer – innovation. When it comes to the uses of existing machinery or even newer designs for toys, being innovative to meet the market’s demands is the key to his success.

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With the expansion of his business, Mr. B Venkatesh has also set up a second, bigger factory in Channapatna Crafts Park.

He now has about 25 labourers working under him divided into three sectors of production, assembling and marketing. He has also set up his own retail store where he sells the toys and wooden products, apart from the sales he makes from export.

Mr. B Venkatesh having personally dedicated his blood, sweat and tears to the craft understands that to be able to execute the art of toy making and expect perfect results, an artist must be passionate and comfortable.

And so, he ensures that his employees have the best care. Not only do they work their own flexible hours, but the owner has also ensured that his labourers have a restroom, clean drinking water and a small refreshment area where they can cook their own tea, heat up food or even wash their tiffin dabbas after their lunch breaks on-site.

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Inside the Toolbox Tools, supplies and gizmos You would’ve never guessed that one of the most significant aspects of the Channapatna wooden toys is how safe they are for children. Entirely chemical free, nontoxic and eco-friendly- even the finishing on the toys is so smooth that it is not dangerous by any means for infants and younger children as well!

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The craft depends locally for the sourcing of the base wood that is used to make the celebrated Channapatna toys. It is called Hale mara (or ‘Aale mara’ in Kannada) or is also commonly known as the soft ivory wood, its colour turns to the ivory colour with age, hence the name. It is even known to have Ayurvedic benefits and the fact that it is completely non-toxic means that it is perfectly safe for the workers to be around for longer periods as they workamidst heaps of sawdust at the factory. The scientific name of the tree is Wrightia tinctoria, it is a usually a small or a medium sized tree that can even attain the height of 25 feet. The ivory wood is soft, fine grained, white coloured and it easily absorbs dyes, imparting vibrant colours to the toys.

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At Beereshwara, the artisans make their own colours using shellac (‘aargu’ in Kannada) which is a sort of animal product, similar to cocoons to make lacquer sticks. They source the raw materials directly from Bengal and process it locally by mixing it with preprepared natural dyes or non-toxic pigments to prepare the desired shades accordingly. The other type of colours used to adorn the surfaces of the toys are natural vegetable dyes- yellow from turmeric, orange and red from Kanchi kum-kum powder, darker colours from Ratanjyot etc. For a natural wood shade, wax is often used instead of lacquer.

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Other materials like resin or dye-stuff for colouring are also sourced or obtained from nearby forests. The process for the making of the toys involves parts both mechanised and manual or by hand. Even though most of the work for the craft is done by hand, artisans still require the assistance of saw mills, lathe machines, chisels, and other carving and pruning tools or gizmos to get just the right amount of perfection in their outcomes.

The government provides for wood seasoning facilities and other required commonly facilities which happen to be conveniently located in Channapatna and make it easier for the artisans to work at their craft.

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Distinct, yet traditional- the technique required to make the Lacquered Channapatna Toys follows a different system of production compared to the single person or a smaller group approach to making handicrafts one would normally see.

Instead, similar to an assembly line production arrangement in an industrial unit, different parts of the process, are done by different people. This may or may not happen at the same location.

The different manufacturing stages of Channapatna Toy Making include- the procuring of wood, seasoning the wood, cutting the wood into required shapes, pruning and carving the toys, applying the colours and the finishing polish to the final product.

At the Assembly Line Process of Working

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The initial process of acquiring the Hale mara/Soft ivory wood begins from the local wood suppliers. The seasoning of the wood could take from anywhere to one to about three months depending on the sizes of the planks.

The government has made provisions for suppliers who sell seasoned wood to support the Channapatna Toy Industry, but most artisans still prefer sourcing the wood locally and seasoning it themselves.

Then steps in the woodcutter, who chops the logs into sizes according to the nature of product that the Artisans are making. He then stores the wood or passes it onto the craftsperson to store it until further use.

It’s a dreamy wooden wonderland with snow made out of wooden shavings and sawdust flying about the room.

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To ensure that the wooden toys are safe for children and cause no harm to the environment, the dyes used vegetable dyes are often used in the dyeing process. The colors are either added by placing the toy on the lathe itself, or later manually through another process.

Chips of lac, a natural resin that the vendors require local forests are bought locally, to make the colors that they use to coat the wood. The chips are then melted to the required consistency in a small bowl over a coal fire. Vegetable and other naturally obtained dyes are then used to tint the lac.

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Generations of artisans will tell you that the process of preparing the resin requires dexterity, the kind that you’d only gain from an abundant amount of experience. The lump of melted lac chips is then pulled to a maximum thickness, and the colored lac stick is then divided into shorter lengths. These sticks are then kept with the artisans ready to use to color the surface of the vibrant Channapatna toys.

And when it comes to these toys, there’s the element of mystery too. The actual nature of them is ultimately only known when all the steps of production are complete and pieces are put together. Only the head of the cluster knows what each piece will eventually look like.

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From the Artisans A Look Into the Lives of the Artisans Over 6,000 artisans spread between 1,200 families across 250 home businesses and 50 small factories, they are what make up the life of the toy-town.

For the artisans of Channapatna’s woodworkit isn’t just their wages that’s important, it’s also the amount of respect their craft receives.

Making the toys requires a lot of patience and even more passion, one that is unique to this industry. When you look at a craftsman using his lathe, it’s evident that unless you are deeply involved in what you’re doing, you cannot make the perfect product. A large number of these artisans are high-school dropouts. Whereas some prefer to complete studies and get city jobs outside the walls of Channapatna.

The others, who often belong to families of generations of artisans grow fond of the craft and acquire the techniques and skills from years of watching their family members do the same. To the artisans, dropping out does not mean killing a dream, but fulfilling one. A dream where they truly enjoy what they’re doing.

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Most of these businesses take place in an informal workplace setting. The workers have flexible hours, no particular dress code and all of the artisans including the head enjoy a jovial atmosphere. While there are some who prefer fulltime jobs with small business units like Sri Beereshwara, there are also some who prefer working freelance and come in whenever they need the income. Apart from this some artisans also work independently and sell their products to designers and exporters all over the country.

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Every minute means money at the factory for workers at Beereshwara and similar units. They make about 1 to 4 rupees per piece depending on the component’s size. Earning about 400 rupees a day or 12,000 rupees a month as a fixed salary.

They hardly ever take long vacations or breaks, not because they cannot afford to, but simply because they enjoy what they do. Many of the workers in the Channapatna crafts industry are women. The toy making community is one of the few that is self-sufficient within its geographical area.

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Most of the artisans live around unit’s plot so they either walk or cycle as commute. They can either carry their tiffin’s and heat them up at the factory or be back to grind at the lathe after a hearty meal at home. Most of the Channapatna’s expert craftsmen use handicraft skills that are pure, crude and raw. The kind that can only be obtained after years of experience, observation, long periods in training and the most important of them all, the zest that drives them.

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About the Trade Commercial Aspect - Retail and Pricing If you grew up in or around Karnataka, walking down the streets of Channapatna will be a literal trip down the memory lane. Dull streets with a contrast of vibrant toys that transform the atmosphere entirely.

The Channapatna Wooden Toys are sold at multiple locations via multiple mediums. Available both at the national level and international level market.

While there are shops that entertain both casual visitors, intrigued tourists and local population to buy their ‘home-made’ toys within the vicinity of the town of Channapatna itself. There are also many smaller shops at famous eateries/cafes and even some stand-alone stores outside the city. When purchased locally the prices of these toys depending on the use of the product and its size can range from anywhere between 30 Rupees to even 700 Rupees. Online, anywhere across the globe, you’ll find the same for more than double its original rate, but sadly none of the heavy profit goes to the artisans or the small businesses.

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Some of the units like Beereshwara, have even set up their own stores in the town’s market area. Designers and artisans have also made efforts to reach out to other domestic markets in the country by participating in exhibitions in other cities.

For the NGO’s the main market is local because the government cannot afford distributors abroad, but for the private units like Katerpillar, most of their profits come in from export deals to mainly Europe and some other continents.

Channapatna toys have seen a fair share of their peak in demand in foreign markets, when tourists first visit, they are so impressed by not just the beauty but also all the benefits of the toys. They often become regular visitors and promote the toys abroad, helping them gain popularity.

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With time, advances technology. The artisans of Channapatna do primarily continue using traditional techniques to make the toys, but with newer machinery and innovation in tools, they make good use of this manufacturing aid and adapt to contemporary methods. If you visit Channapatna, the product range you’ll see today is more diversified. Over the years, one of the main reasons why many handicrafts have declined is because there is no more demand in the market for their product.

The Next Step Evolution of the Craft

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Target Audiences have seen what these crafts have to offer and want items that are more up to date with the times today. The chitragars of Channapatna were quick to realise this and kept an open mind. They brought in and moved to more innovative techniques to try and revive the craft such as bringing in contemporary designs, decorative designs and a vaster range of products.

Some artisans have even started using other woods like teak, pine, rubber and cedar wood to make the toys.

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In older times, artisans would usually belong to the same family, they grew up learning the woodwork techniques from their elder generations. But today, at the artisans are trained at the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation’s Artisans Training Institute. The board also brings the artisans awareness about the changing trends in the industry.

Artisans have paid attention to details, when it comes to the evolution of their products, from things as simple as adding a handle to turn the infamous Channapatna Ferris wheel toy so it is easier to spin, to adding miniature wooden gas cylinders to the traditional wooden kitchen set for children. Many new companies and social enterprises have been finding innovative waves to revive the craft to suit modern tastes.

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In spite of all the competition that they’ve faced over the years, the comparatively traditional Channapatna toys have made over by innovation with brighter colours, lacquer finish, environmentfriendly materials, contemporary designs and trendy names. The focused and savvy marketing has made them an international brand name.

What was once practised as the art of Persian toy makers is now a globally famous Indian handicraft.

In the Records Notable Features and Achievements

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In 2006, the Government of Karnataka’s Geographical Indications Registry granted a GI certificate to the traditional craft which protects it under the World Trade Organization.

Gaining popularity all over the world, the colourful toys have even adorned the shelves of the white house.

When former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama visited Delhi’s National Handicrafts and handloom museum, the first lady couldn’t resist picking up the eye-catching toys.

Apart from their world-renowned status, the craft has also achieved recognition across the nation. From participating in New Delhi’s Republic Day parade where the show was led

by Karnataka’s tableau display of toys to gaining the status of being skilled artists in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann ki Baat.

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After the Debacle Areas of Improvement Over the years, past its peak the craft has come to face with its own share of downfalls.

Some say it started with the napkin exports taking off, as Europeans preferred single tonecoloured ones over the lac work with tonal gradation. Some blame the competition from the Chinese toys which altered the preferences of the customers. Even though they had an inferior quality, they were cheaper alternatives.

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Even though there was a time when the export market was thriving, the toy-makers failed to establish themselves on a longterm basis. After the reduction in demand for the toys, many youngsters from families with generations of Artisans involved in the craft, preferred jobs with a higher income and more security outside Channapatna. This left its mark in the decrease of the number of up-and-coming artisans practicing the craft.

Because of recent events, many units like Beereshwara who relied heavily on export for their sales and profits took a huge financial loss.

Boxes of un-exported goods lie outside Mr. B. Venkatesh’s office. They tried to adapt and start making newer toys and other products that would come in handy and that locals would also be willing to purchase on a regular basis as an alternative that kept the business running.

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The government of Karnataka has made its fair share of effort and taken initiative to try and revive the craft or keep it from declining. With the help of the Dutch government and Karnataka’s Vishwa scheme, they are also aiming to provide financial aid. They have also provided multiple platforms like governmentrun handicraft stores to sell the toys.

Some other initiatives the government has taken to support the craft include, providing Artisans with living quarters, the Channapatna crafts park that is a common facility service centre with state-of-the-art woodwork machines advantageous to those who cannot afford to buy the machinery for themselves.

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Since the industry operates largely in the unorganised sector, there are also organisations such Maya Organic and Shilpa Trust are attempting to create platforms where the artisans can grow and work professionally. They provide their employees with lifeinsurance policies, regular health check-ups and stable jobs.

Though we’ve seen a drastic fall in the number of units and Artisans practicing the craft in recent times, the Channapatna Wooden Toy sector seems to have been able to withstand threats and limitations.

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On Your To-Do List Itinerary recommendations and tourist hot-spots Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, interested in folklore, a nature lover or have an interest in archaeology.

There’s something to do for every one of you in and around Channapatna. And while you’re here, you must have the experience of living a day in the life of a local, guided by a true local.

About 60 kilometres away from the city of Bengaluru, a metropolitan city well connected to all major cities by air, rail or road. And 80 kilometres away from Mysuru, Channapatna is accessible from the two hubs by either road (local buses, private vehicles) or rail.

A visit to south India would simply be incomplete without stopping by the toy-town of Karnataka. Globally famous for it’s vibrant, perfectly safe and absolutely attractive toys, Channapatna has even received a Geographical Indication Tag.

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While you’re at it, ensure you dine as a local would, enjoy south Indian meals be it a hearty breakfast before you start your day, a filling lunch that suffices your hunger mid-day or a delicious dinner at the end of a long day of travel. While there aren’t really any note-worthy restaurants in Channapatna town, you’ll find plenty of snack and meal options on the highway. And if this doesn’t suit your taste buds, there’s nothing to worry about. There also a handful of fast-food restaurants like KFC or McDonalds on the highway.

Some tourist Hot-spots that you must have on your to-do list are- Visit a craft cluster and catching a glimpse of the process of Wooden Channapatna Lacquer Toy Making. (Sri Beereshwara Arts and Crafts arranges for a free tour where you can visit the cluster’s factories and watch the artisans work their magic) - Grab a South Indian meal (Restaurants on the highway while you’re en-route to Channapatna, you will come across plenty of local restaurants that offer some of the most delicious food you must’ve ever come across) - Explore the Karnataka Folk Museum home (Discover thousands of pieces of traditional village art) - Visit historic Hoysala temples at Budanur (dedicated to Lord Ananthha Padmanabha and Lord Shiva) - Experience thrill at its peak at Wonderla Amusement Park (touted India’s best Amazement park- enjoy dry and wet rides) - Wine and Dine at Kadu (A winery in Channapatna with an in-house restaurant that will guarantee you a memorable dining experience) - Bring your camera and capture views for days at Shivasundaram falls (a pair of waterfalls that both flow from the same river) - Take a stroll in Lalbagh Botanical Garden (Has excellent attractions like the Glass house, cacti garden, bonsai park, fossil tree, horticulture park and lab, the famous Lal bagh lake, hill and the iconic Bengaluru watch tower on the hill) - Engage with science at Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (Its interactive exhibits make this a great place for children to develop a love for science - Enjoy a Safari Ride at Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo (get a chance to see what wildlife is like in its natural habitat)

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The chitragars of Channapatna, have a gift. A skill that’s rare, pure and honest. Upon seeing the artisans live these lives that are etched in, breathing and living the craft, not only is it compelling but also inspiring. Their effort, passion and the hard work they put in is unnoticed and saying that is an understatement. A craft that is so vibrant, ethical and nostalgic is one that deserves to be preserved.

The craft of Wooden Lacquer Toy Making in Channapatna is one that has grand potential. Potential to both expand into a foreign market and to contribute greatly to the nation’s economy. Who knew that the toys you and me grew up playing withheld a pandora’s box of secrets? From traditional techniques advanced with modern times to a refreshing diverse range of productions. Innovation is a strong standing element that has played a crucial role in the evolution of the craft.

Epilog Conclusion

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The decrease in demand resulting in a decline of the industry is a shame. Because the government is unable to curb the penetration of the Chinese market or other toys that are cheaper and have affected the toy industry in a drastic manner. Because there’s no job security, the artisans don’t make enough. Because the small business units and the artisans don’t know how to approach or pitch to the right market. Because not enough people are aware of the treasure that lies within this gem of a craft.

Channapatna is a symbol of perseverance, dexterity and nostalgia. A town that preserves the what has been already tarnished Indian art and craft. Apart from the GI tag it’s earned, the government must take more initiative in drawing attention and gaining some recognition for the Toy-town. An artist values his income, but what he values more is respect and appreciation for his hard work.

This is something that the government can’t fix all by itself, this is something we must put our contribution into. Channapatna has a lot to offer, we just aren’t aware of it.

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Rhea Sinha is a Fashion Communication Design student at MIT-ADT University’s Institute of Design in Pune. Having spent most of her childhood in Bangalore, the Infamous Lacquer Wooden Channapatna Toys have played a memorable part in her life.

About Researcher Researcher’s note

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“I moved to Bangalore when I was around 8 years old and the very first memory, I have is going on long drives and taking weekend trips around the outskirts of the city with my family. My parents have always loved to travel and explore and I caught the bug. Every alternate road trip we made it tradition to make a stop at the Kamat lokaruchi in Ramnagara for breakfast. After having my go-to classic plain Dosa, it became routine for me to drag an adult from my family with me off the table and to the little toy-store in the corner of the restaurant and make a purchase. Neither did I know where the toys were from nor the magical story of its origin.

When given the opportunity to study and document the same craft that I grew up admiring, my answer was clear. My curiosity led to a study that left me intrigued.

What I learnt after my visit to the cluster was both heartbreaking and fascinating. It’s a story that deserves to be told, and that’s what I aim to do with this book. “

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Specs sheet Grid, Typography and color palette With an understanding that a grid with more modules has more scope for explorations in terms of layouting, I have opted for a 5*5 grid for my book. I wanted to explore with cleaner layouts that balance out nicely with and don’t draw attention away from the classic and simple Channapatna Wooden Toys.

5*5 grid (5columns*5rows) 25 modules

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For my color palette, I have chosen vibrant and bright colors that represent the colors and decor on the adorned Channapatna Toys and are often used in their making.

Bold sans-serif fonts for the cover/display text Integral CF, Lemon milk and Impact

Merriweather Heavy - headings *font size - 29 Regular - subheadings - 15

Montserrat Regular - body Italics - captions/facts(if any) *font size - 11 *leading - 13 81

Citation Bibliography and References In the archives - http://www.india-crafts.com/history_tradition/ (reference) - https://www.boontoon.com/blog/brief-history-handicrafts/#:~:text=Among%20the%20many%20 handicrafts%20around,beginning%20of%20British%20came%20India. (reference (Images sourced from Disha Shah, Aahna Shrimali,Anushka Arun, Shreya Sinha, Anoushka Jankiram, Shrutika Gavane and Yamini Shenoy) The city of toys - https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/zgJSCtuCFAVzJw (reference) - https://www.indianmirror.com/culture/indian-specialties/channapatnatoys.html (reference) Tale as old as time - https://www.caravancraft.com/channapatna (reference) - https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-toys-of-channapatna-dastkari-haat-samiti/zgJSCtuCFAVzJw?hl=en (pg 19) (reference) Charm of Channapatna - https://www.sahapedia.org/channapatna-wooden-toys (pg 30) (image) - http://www.katerpillar.in/toymaking.html (reference) 82

Inside the Toolbox - https://www.sahapedia.org/channapatna-toys-non-toxic-chemical-free-and-safe-children (reference) At the Assembly Line - https://www.indianmirror.com/culture/indian-specialties/channapatnatoys.html (reference) - https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/fwKisovsWjHlLQ (reference) From the Artisans - https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/get-to-know-these-channapatna-artisans-dastkari-haat-samiti/SAJyTvjTbuizKA?hl=en (reference) The Next Step - https://www.sahapedia.org/channapatna-wooden-toys (reference) In the records - https://www.indianmirror.com/culture/indian-specialties/channapatnatoys.html (reference) After the debacle - https://www.sahapedia.org/channapatna-wooden-toys(reference) - https://www.sahapedia.org/channapatna-toys-non-toxic-chemical-free-and-safe-children (reference) On your to-do list - https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/alluring-villages-you-got-to-visit-once-to-see-why-india-is-incredible-in-artefacts-and-handicrafts-5c0d1538eb6f3 (reference) - https://www.viator.com/tours/Bangalore/Folk-art-trail-in-Bangalore/d5310-18983P73 (reference) - https://buffyfish.com/blog/tag/chapati/ (reference) - https://cityseeker.com/bengaluru/1156752-sj-design-and-training-center (reference)

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