Kondapalli Toys

Kondapalli Toys are the toys made of wood in Kondapalli of Krishna district, a village nearby Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.[1] Bommala Colony translates to Toys Colony in Kondapalli is the place where the art of crafting takes place.[2] It was registered as one of the geographical indication handicraft from Andhra Pradesh as per Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.[3][4] These toys were one of the variety of toys assembled in the houses during the festivals of Sankranti and Navratri and is referred as Bommala Koluvu.[5]

For other uses, see Kondapalli (disambiguation).
Kondapalli Toys
Geographical indication
Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada
Alternative namesKondapalli Bommalu
DescriptionToys crafted out of Softwood namely, Tella Poniki
TypeHandicraft
AreaKondapalli, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh
CountryIndia
MaterialWood

History

The art of crafting is a 400 year old tradition. The artisans who make the toys are referred as Aryakhastriyas (also known as Nakarshalu), who have their mention in the Brahmanda Purana.[2] They are said to have migrated from Rajasthan in the 16th century to Kondappali and claims their origin to Muktharishi, a sage endowed with skills in arts and crafts by Lord Shiva.[1]

Wood craft models on display at Shilparamam in Hyderabad

Toy crafting

The Kondapalli toys are made from soft wood known as Tella Poniki which are found in nearby Kondapalli Hills. Each part is carved out separately. Then makku- a paste of tamarind seed powder & sawdust is used to join pieces together, add details and finish the toys. The later step involves coloring with either oil and water-colours or vegetable dyes and enamel paints are applied based on the type of the toys.[1][6] The artisans mainly work on producing figures of mythology, animals, birds, bullock carts, rural life etc., and the most notable one is Dasavataram, dancing dolls etc.[7]

Support

The art form which has got patronage from the rulers in ancient times is in decline due to lack of profits, time taking to produce toys, influence of western art and younger generations not encouraged towards this art.[8][9] Lepakshi and Lanco Institute of General Humanitarian Trust took initiative to keep alive the art of crafting toys.[6]

See also

References
  1. Guhan, V (21 June 2003). "Creative Kondapally". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 January 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  2. "Toying with heritage: No heir to Kondapalli's amazing art – Times of India". The Times of India. Kondapalli (Krishna). 19 May 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  3. "Registration Details of Geographical Indications" (PDF). Intellectual Property India, Government of India. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  4. "Geographical Indication". The Hans India. 23 January 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  5. "News Archives: The Hindu". www.hindu.com. 12 January 2011. Archived from the original on 26 June 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  6. Chandaraju, Aruna (27 January 2016). "Playing safe with local craft". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  7. Banu, Saira (6 September 2009). "Treasure in traditional toys". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  8. Devalla, Rani (23 January 2016). "Kalamkari saris in a new combination". The Hindu. Visakhapatnam. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  9. Chaudhury, Swaati (11 January 2014). "Tales that Kondapalli toys narrate". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
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