What are Channapatna Toys?

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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