What are Channapatna Toys?

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.
• Channapatna is also known as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town).
• History:
  • The historic ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, is the one attributed to introducing these wooden toys to the current town of Channapatna.
  • He invited artists from Persia to train the local artists in wooden toy making, which then helped this industry thrive locally.
• Features:
  • Most of these toys are handmade.
  • They are also painted in organic colours extracted from vegetables and plants and natural dyes, making the Channapatna Toys 100% chemical free. 
  • Traditionally, they are mostly made of Ivory Wood. However, nowadays, sandalwood and mango wood are also used. 
  • Their shapes are mostly round and cubes with blunt edges, so they are completely safe for kids.
• They received the geographical indication (GI) tag in 2005.

Q1) What is the Geographical Indication (GI) tag?

A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.

Source: Centre’s ban on import of toys from China increased our profits, say Channapatna toy makers

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