Karnataka’s iconic toy towns: Why is the next generation walking away?

Imagine a vibrant world of handcrafted wooden toys, painted in brilliant lacquers or carved with intricate details, passed down through generations. This is the legacy of Channapatna and Kinnal, two towns in Karnataka, often hailed as India's 'toy towns.' Channapatna, located between Bengaluru and Mysuru, is famous for its lacquerware toys, while Kinnal, in Koppal district, is known for its light wooden toys, often adorned with mythological figures. Both crafts boast a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a testament to their unique origin and traditional methods. However, beneath this colourful facade lies a stark reality: the next generation is increasingly turning away from these ancestral crafts, threatening to extinguish centuries of artistic heritage.

The historical roots of Channapatna toys trace back to the reign of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. Impressed by Persian lacquerware, he invited artisans from Persia to train local craftsmen, thus laying the foundation for this unique art form. Kinnal toys, too, have a long history, traditionally used in temple chariots and for creating decorative pieces for homes. The GI tag, granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, provides legal protection and recognition to these products, assuring consumers of their quality and origin. Channapatna toys received their GI tag in 2006, highlighting their distinctiveness and the traditional knowledge embedded in their creation.

The core issue driving the younger generation away is primarily economic viability and changing societal perceptions. The traditional craft demands immense skill, patience, and effort, yet often yields meagre returns. Artisans struggle with fluctuating market demand, intense competition from cheaper, mass-produced plastic toys, and a lack of direct market access. Middlemen often exploit their labour, leaving them with minimal profit margins. Furthermore, the arduous nature of the work, coupled with the absence of social prestige and modern amenities in traditional artisan clusters, pushes youth towards urban centres in search of more lucrative and stable employment opportunities in sectors like IT or manufacturing. This migration leads to a severe skill drain, as the intricate techniques and traditional knowledge, usually passed down orally, are not being transferred to new apprentices.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this unfolding crisis. At the forefront are the **artisans and their families**, who are the direct custodians of this intangible cultural heritage. Their economic well-being and willingness to continue the craft are paramount. **Local communities** also have a stake, as these crafts are often intertwined with their cultural identity and local economy. The **State Government of Karnataka** and the **Central Government (through ministries like Textiles, Culture, MSME)** play a crucial role in policy formulation, financial support, and market linkages. Bodies like the **GI Registry** are responsible for protecting the intellectual property, while **NGOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs)**, and even **e-commerce platforms** are critical in bridging the gap between artisans and markets, and providing skill development. Finally, **consumers**, both domestic and international, determine the demand and market value of these products.

This situation holds significant implications for India. Firstly, it represents a grave threat to **cultural preservation** and the loss of **intangible cultural heritage**. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution, a Fundamental Duty, mandates citizens "to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture." The decline of such crafts directly contravenes this spirit. Secondly, it impacts **rural livelihoods** and the **Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector**, which is a significant employer. The ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan aims to boost indigenous industries, and the decline of GI-tagged products like these toys undermines this national goal. The recently launched **PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana (PM-VIKAS)** in 2023 specifically targets traditional artisans, offering training, modern tools, credit, and market linkages to rejuvenate such crafts. This aligns with **Article 43 of the Directive Principles of State Policy**, which urges the State to promote cottage industries. The loss of these crafts also affects India's soft power and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

The future implications are stark. Without intervention, these crafts risk becoming extinct, leading to the permanent loss of unique artistic traditions and the cultural identity associated with them. The GI tag itself could become redundant if the traditional knowledge and production methods are lost. To reverse this trend, a multi-pronged approach is essential. This includes **market diversification** (e.g., modern designs, utility products), **e-commerce integration**, **skill upgradation** (modern tools, design thinking), **financial assistance** (subsidies, easy credit), and **promotion of craft tourism**. There is also a need for **design innovation** to make these toys appealing to contemporary tastes while retaining their traditional essence. Furthermore, enhancing the social perception of artisan professions through education and recognition can encourage the younger generation to embrace their heritage. The success of schemes like PM-VIKAS will be critical in determining whether these iconic toy towns can truly secure their future, ensuring that the laughter of children playing with handcrafted toys continues to echo through generations, rather than fading into a forgotten past.