Haridasu from Kondapally Toys, Kondapalli Toys are wooden toys produced in the adjacent Vijayawada city of Krishna district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
The centre of craft production is located at Kondapalli’s Bommala Colony, which translates to Toys Colony.According to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
It was registered as a geographical indication handicraft from Andhra Pradesh.These toys, known as Bommala Koluvu, were one of the types of toys that were assembled in homes during the festivals of Sankranti and Navratri.
The soft wood called Tella Poniki, which is found in the neighbouring Kondapalli Hills, is used to make the Kondapalli toys. Each component is cut out individually. The toys are then completed by using makku, a paste made from sawdust and tamarind seed powder, to assemble the components and add finishing touches.
Depending on the type of toy, the final phase comprises colouring with oil and water colours or vegetable dyes and enamel paints. The craftsmen primarily create figurines from mythology, including Dasavataram, dancing dolls, animals, birds, bullock carts, and rural life.
The makers of these Haridasu from Kondapally Toys are referred to as “Aryakshatriyas.” According to legend, these artisans moved from Rajasthan to Kondapalli in the sixteenth century, bringing with them the skill of making toys. Every resident of the ‘Toy Colony’ of Kondapalli has continued this 400-year-old heritage by participating in the toy-making activities.
The “Brahmanda Purana” also makes mention to these tribe of people. This group places its roots in Muktharishi, who it is thought was given artistic and crafty abilities by Lord Shiva.
These chitrakaras (craftsmen) assert that several sculptures in Andhra Pradesh temples, including the Garuda, Nandi, Simha, and Vahanas, were created by them or their ancestors.
The Kondapalli toy evolved from a toy over time into a collectible. Because collectibles don’t need to be replaced as often as children’s toys, which frequently break, the change reduced the market for secondhand goods.
The “Bommala Koluvu” or “Golu,” during which toys are gathered and ceremoniously displayed, is an essential component of the Dusshera and Sankranthi celebrations. Most children and women compete to have the largest and most elaborate collection.
The busiest times for Kondapalli’s artisans were during these festivals, but as these customs go away, the artisans are compelled to look for ways to reduce expenses and replace natural dyes with enamel colours.
Since the introduction of automated toys, the interests and growth of the Kondapalli artisans have been neglected, but this has all changed recently.
A helping hand is being provided in the development of this business by the government, government agencies, and some institutions and organisations.
With themes like children using computers, vegetable vendors, wedding couples, and women attending baby showers (known as “Seemantham” in Telugu), to name a few, this art finds its place inside the new-age household shelves.
Many people are warming up to the notion of giving Kondapalli toys as wedding gifts, especially in Southern areas of India, as awareness of and interest in these toys has grown.
Kondapalli toys are your ticket out if you’re caught in the never-ending cycle of gifting options. You must also have realised that these are not your typical toys now that you are aware of their history, current state, and potential future.
They make meaningful presents since they are timeless, full of character, and have a deep history. Pick up a Kondapalli toy for the upcoming celebration, whether it is Sankranti, Dussera, Seemantham, or a wedding, and make a statement with your choice.
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