Welcome to the World of Kondapalli toys

History

In India, the oldest toys belong to the 5000 year-old Harappan civilisation. These toys were made with natural materials like clay, wood and stone. They depicted ordinary men, women, animals, birds, fruits and vegetables as well as the important professionals who existed in those times - the potter, carpenter and farmer, among others. Many regions in India specialize in making ancient toys. In the southern state of Andhra Pradesh for instance, the names of places such as Kondapalli, Nirmal, Ettikoppakka and Tirupati, are associated with wooden toys crafted with great style. The artisans are not only experienced but are also well versed in the theoretical aspects. They have adopted the South Indian style of architecture of wood, which is evident in their work. The popular classical collection includes Dasavatars, the Gitopadesa, and events associated with the life of Lord Krishna. The mythological toys pose a great challenge, as they require skill in portraying half-human and half-animal god figures.

A peep into the world of Kondapalli toys!!!!.

Kondapalli toys are made in and around Kondapalli. It is a little village in the Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA. The traditional craftsmen here belong to a community known as the Aryakhastriyas, who take up wood sculpture and painting as their hereditary profession. There is reference to this group in the "Brahmanda Purana". This community claims its origin to Muktharishi, who was endowed with skills in arts and crafts by Lord Shiva. These chitrakaras claim that it was their ancestors who sculpted the numerous sculptures like the garuda, nandi, simha and the vahanas in the many temples in Andhra Pradesh.

The toys are made at home and the work involves the entire family. This traditional art form has been handed down from one generation to another. It continues to be the main livelihood of the people of Kondapalli.

From Mythology to Animals!

Mythology, rural life and animals are the main themes on which the toys are made. Swans, peacocks and parrots are popular themes too, as are slice-of-life themes: women drawing water from a well, snake charmers, elephant with a mahout (trainer) on its back, potters, etc. Mythological figures are great favorites. Lord Krishna, the playful God, is shown playing the flute with a cow listening on. Kondapalli toys bring color and joy and create a beautiful connection with the world around for the child. They create awareness about rural life and folklore through play.

Can you think of a better way to learn about the richness of Indian mythology?

How are they made?

Although it is difficult to infuse life into small blocks of wood, the Kondapalli toys are exceptions. They are very lively. Every small detail, including the appearance of the face, is looked into and carefully carved.

Making these toys is no child's play. It takes a very long time to fashion each one. The toys are made out of the locally-available soft Puniki wood, which is easy to carve. It is subjected to a process of slow heating, to draw out all the moisture. The limbs are carved separately and later joined to the body. The Kondapalli artists carve images and structures relating to mythology and to social themes. The artists display a perfect blending of science, aesthetics and religion in their work.

The glue used consists mainly of paste made from tamarind seeds. The brushes used to color the toys are very fine and sharp, made of goat's hair. In the past, the colors that were used for these toys were derived from natural sources like stones, herbs, roots and gums. No chemicals were used. Today both water colors and oil paints are used to paint. The carving tools used are drill, hammer, axe, bagudari, aakrai (file) and chisels for finer work.

Today

In the olden days, Kondapalli artists received patronage from the local rulers. But today these artisans are neglected due to the advent of latest technology toys. Many artisans have given up their profession and are seeking other lucrative jobs. Though the government is trying to rehabilitate this art form, it is up to us to encourage it. It is our duty to do so.
For decades Kondapalli Toys adorned many homes of Indian people. These brightly colored pieces of art bring radiance to any home. Unfortunately, not many Indians outside Andhra Pradesh and In Andhra Pradesh know much about these lovely handicrafts. The main intention of this section is to introduce the Kondapalli handicrafts to the best of my knowledge.