Craft traditions

TOYS

The most enchanting part of Indian handicrafts lies in the world of its children. India has a glorious tradition in toys. The excavations from Harappa and Mohenjodaro have thrown up a magnificient profusion of clay toys.

A large variety of materials is used for the manufacture of toys and dolls. Red-wood, cow dung, papier mache, paper are some of them.

Clay toys are made in almost all the states in folk style. Some are closely connected with seasonal religious festivals.

Almost every region of India is renowned for its distinctive tradition of toys. One of the oldest and most popular media for toys has been that of painted and laquered wood. In Bihar, the entire story of Shyama Chak festival is related through clay images. Specially carved red wood toys are made at the pilgrimage centre of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

All traditional toys, material no bar, are made, carry a deep stamp of true Indian characteristics.