Let’s explore the hidden 6 toy towns in India and their folklore.
While the internet is flooded with Labubu doll sensations, India already has a rich cultural heritage of storytelling, tradition, and handcrafted toys, which most of you may be unaware of. Whether it’s wooden puppets, terracotta toys and pottery, or bobblehead dolls, each reflects its lore. There are astonishing Toy towns in India, where ” Quality isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.
The ‘’ Padharo Sa Rajasthani puppet fits in my heart.’’ However, Gen Z’s Instagram reels and shopping Wishlist have been taken over by cute labubu dolls.
Let’s not disregard ‘’ The Incredible India legacy.’’
From time immemorial, India has recognised skilled craftsmanship, women showcasing their talent, turning silk into sarees, and some create poetry out of stone, while others craft toys out of wood. Reflecting the local heritage and folklore, these marionettes and figurines become a worthwhile souvenir.
So, the next time you travel, don’t forget to buy these iconic toys to take home a slice of storytelling.
Let’s discover the glorious toy towns in India:
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Channapatna, Karnataka
Natungram, West Bengal
Rajasthan
Kondapalli, Andhra Pradesh
Saharanpur wooden toys
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
What to buy? Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai (bobblehead dolls)
A renowned toy town in India, famous for its bobble head dolls made of terracotta, plaster of paris and other materials. These dolls of Thanjavur are primarily of two kinds: bobble head version and tilting doll ( roly-poly) version.
This has been a symbol of Tamil Nadu for generations. The speciality of the Thanjavur doll is that the center of gravity and total weight of the doll are concentrated at its bottom point to cause swaying motion, dance and slow oscillations.
A must-buy, these exquisite dolls are not just a mere piece of decoration but a symbol of craftsmanship and the region’s royal history. These delicate dolls continue to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors across the globe.
While you’re there: Visit the Brihadeswara Temple and explore the local markets that are home to these charming figurines.
Channapatna, Karnataka
What to buy? Channapatta Wooden toys
My favourite toy as a kid was a wooden horse, which I still have; it takes me to Channapatna, en route to Mysuru in Karnataka.
A small town that has charming wooden toys designed by people, animals and birds: all carved out of wood and are eco-friendly: painted with vegetables and natural colours.
An art that has been promoted since Tipu Sultan’s days has gained worldwide recognition and is highly recommended for children across various age groups. Mark Channapatta on your bucket list of the famous toy towns in India!
While you’re there, visit one of the local workshops and you can try your hand at toy making.
Natungram, West Bengal
What to buy? Legendary dolls of Natungram
This tops the list of famous toy towns in India. A village located in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, renowned for its exquisite wooden dolls, especially the wooden owls. The artisans who craft these dolls are called Sutradhars. The materials used in crafting these iconic dolls are softwood, Neem and mango wood.
They are deeply rooted in folklore and mythology. The cultural significance of this is that the owl, a symbol of prosperity, wisdom, and good luck associated with the goddess Lakshmi, is an integral part of Natugram’s creations. It is gifted often during Bengali weddings as memento.
While you’re there, explore the doll-making village and enjoy the local cuisine.
Rajasthan
What to buy? Kathputli (Rajasthani string Puppets)
How can one think of toys and forget the kathputlis from Rajasthan? Needless to say, I recall my last trip to Udaipur, where I got an opportunity to witness the puppet show.
Mark my words! It was worth the hype. These multi-colored puppets are the symbol of every fair and festival. Believed to be over a thousand years old, these are the lifeblood of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage. The local markets of Udaipur and Jaipur are home to these authentic and charming collectables. Hence, Rajasthan is considered as iconic toy town of India.
While you’re there, my recommendation for you is to visit Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur, to witness the best live puppet show!
Kondapalli, Andhra Pradesh
What to buy? Wooden toys of Kondapalli
My favourite among all, these toys are famous for their lightweight, vibrant colours and age-old production techniques. These figurines are themed around mythology, rural life and animals and exhibit joyous and realistic expressions. These beautiful toys are made up of soft wood named Tella Poniki, found in nearby hills. The tool used in the making of these toys is Boojakki and Kunta.
The craft is apparently 400 years old. Kondapalli’s toys throw light to the stories of toytowns in India.
While you are there, visit the village and witness the local artisans, and you can also visit the Kondapalli fort.
Saharanpur wooden toys
What to buy? Bankura horses
A toy town in India located in Uttar Pradesh has a rich history rooted in the woodworking tradition. Items made of wood affect every stage of human life. From lacquered toys to dolls to games, it has got it all!
You might have seen the Bankura horses in the posters – they are hugely popular even today. These horses are considered as epitome of Indian folk art. The pottery from this village is famous too.
Just a peek into the art and crafts of India, Saharanpur is one of the iconic toy towns in India
While you’re there, you can explore the renowned furniture market of Saharanpur and also buy handicraft items, photo frames and sculptures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 Where can I buy the authentic Kathputli?
A. You can find Rajasthani puppets in various locations, particularly in Jaipur. Johri Bazaar and local handicraft Shops at Amer Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Q.2 What makes these toys towns in India special?
A. The reason why these toy towns in India re special is that they are,
Handcrafted: Each toy is made by hand, reflecting the fine craftsmanship and skill.
Unique design: These toys have a very unique design and style and narrate the stories of their region.
Eco-friendly: These toys are made up of wood and painted with natural dyes and colors, which makes them super eco-friendly.
Q.3 What is the government doing to promote the toy industry in India?
A. Initiatives like NAPT (National Action Plan for Toys) provide support and boost local production. The govt. Is also encouraging FDI in toy sector.
Q.4 What are the Famous toy towns in India?
A. Here we have listed 6 iconic toy towns in India:
- Rajasthan
- Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- ChannaPatta, Karnataka
- Natungram, West Bengal
- Kondapalli, Andhra Pradesh
- Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Add these toy towns in India to your bucket list now! Look beyond the fridge magnets and buy these handcrafted toys this time depicting the tradition and culture and to promote the Toy towns in India.
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