Channapatna, also known as Gombegala Ooru (Toy Town), is a small town which is famous for its unique and traditional wooden toys, hich are handmade using lacquer woodwork techniques.
The town has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, when Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, invited Persian artisans to settle in the area and teach the locals the art of lacquer woodwork. Since then, Channapatna has become renowned for its exceptional wooden toys, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also eco-friendly and safe for children.
The wooden toys made in Channapatna are crafted from the Aale mara (ivory wood) and Hale mara (sandalwood) trees, which are abundant in the region. The wood is turned on a lathe to create a variety of shapes and sizes, including animals, vehicles, and dolls. The toys are then coated with a natural lacquer, made from the resin of the lacquer tree, which gives them their distinctive glossy finish.
Channapatna's wooden toys are not only popular in India but also worldwide. They have earned a reputation for their high quality and unique designs, and have been recognized with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which protects the traditional art form and ensures its authenticity.
Apart from its wooden toys, Channapatna also boasts of a vibrant culture and scenic beauty. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and has several natural and historical attractions, including the Kabbalamma Temple, a popular pilgrimage site, and the Channapatna Fort, a historical monument.
In recent years, Channapatna has also emerged as a hub for social entrepreneurship, with several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the region. These include the Channapatna Artisan's Sustainable Livelihood (CASL) program, which trains local artisans in business skills and helps them access markets for their products.
