About Channapatna toys

• Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys (and dolls) that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. 
• This traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the Government of Karnataka.
• As a result of the popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka.
• Channapatna toys have a 200 year old history and  are made out of wood – soft ivory wood, teak, rubber, cedar or neem and lacquered with vibrant, natural dyes.
• Its history has been traced to the era of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th century.
• The fame of Channapatna toys was built on the smooth quality and bright colours of the products that were safe to handle.
• The Channapatna toys are laced with vegetable dyes and colours devoid of chemicals and hence they are safe for children.

Why in news?

• Toys made in Channapatna have now become part of children’s academic activities in Afghanistan.