The craft of toy making is unique to each
civilization and India is no exception.
Children from Indus valley civilization
used to play with small toys made of clay.
Numerous figurines of animals have been
found. Small toys like carts harnessed with
oxen, having movable parts tell the expertise
of the craftsmen engaged in making toys.
The traditions of toy and doll making in
India are rich and diverse. A variety of
material like, wood, clay, papier machie,
leather etc is used in making ethnic toys.
Toys made in India not only cater to the
dreams of a child but they are also associated
with religious rituals and festivals. Toys
are not only made in the shape of animals,
birds, carts etc but toys and dolls are
also made to depict gods and deities.
Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh is known for
beautiful wooden toys. Toys in the shape
of birds, animals, mythological characters,
models of fruits and vegetables etc are
chiseled out of locally available wood.
The colors applied are bright and these
toys can also be used as decorative pieces.
Andhra Pradesh is also known for leather
puppets, which generally are mythological
figures. Some of these puppets are five
feet tall and painted with vegetable dyes.
Dolls from Tirupati are made out of wood
and depict the local deities. These dolls
have religious importance and are revered.
These toys are made from red wood.
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