One District – One Product

Kondapalli Toys Gallery

NTR District

INTRODUCTION

One District – One Product – Kondapalli Toys

               India has a history of rich and diverse cultural tradition. And among its diversity, the legacy of India’s craft culture always occupies a special place owing to its beauty, dignity, form, style and aesthetics. The share of employment provided by the rural industry in the total decentralized sector is about 10 percent. Thus, the Rural Artisans of Andhra Pradesh and the Handicrafts industry constitute one of the major sectors employing the larger number of persons, next only to agriculture.  They are some parts in Telugu states, which seem to be forefront of certain unique talents, attracting the whole world and in some places, there are different arts that have flourished and spread to the world; Kondapalli is such a unique village. When the name Kondapalli is mentioned immediately the toys that are made there are remembered, and there is no wonder to say that Kondapalli had become so famous because of these toys. Kondapalli is about 15 kilometres away from Vijayawada; in the distance it is close to Ibrahimpatam. Toy making in Kondapalli had been an industry since 400 years.

                                                                                                                                                   Kondapalli Village overview

History & Significance

      Kondapalli Toys, also known as Kondapalli Bommalu, are a unique form of Indian wooden toys that originate from the town of Kondapalli in the NTR district of Andhra Pradesh. These toys are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of the region, with a history that dates back to the 16th century. The roots of Kondapalli Toys can be traced back to the “Aryakshatriyas” community of Kondapalli, who are believed to have migrated from Rajasthan several centuries ago.

Making Process :

          The process of making Kondapalli Toys is a labour-intensive one that requires both skill and patience. The artisans, known as “Aryakshatriyas”, start by carving the softwood into the desired shape. The carved figures are then coated with a mixture of sawdust and tamarind seed paste to create a smooth surface. Once the coating is dry, the toys are painted with vibrant colours to bring them to life. The themes of these toys often reflect the rural life and cultural traditions of Andhra Pradesh, including scenes of village life, animals and Hindu deities.

       The cultural significance of Kondapalli Toys extends beyond the town of Kondapalli. These toys are an integral part of the cultural fabric of NTR district, where they are used in festivals and celebrations. During the festival of Bommala Koluvu, which is part of the Sankranti celebrations, households display their collection of Kondapalli Toys as a mark of prosperity and cultural pride. The toys are also used in the storytelling tradition of the region, where they serve as visual aids to narrate folk tales and epics.

     The town of Kondapalli is not just known for its toys, but also for its historic fort. The Kondapalli Fort, also known as Kondapalli Kota, is a 14th-century fort that stands on a hill overlooking the town. Kondapally Toys represent a rich tradition of craftsmanship and cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Andhra Pradesh. These toys, along with the historic Kondapalli Fort, are a testament to the region’s vibrant past and continue to be a source of cultural pride for the people of the NTR district. Kondapalli Bommalu (Toys) Wooden Craft has been registered under the GI Act since 2005. Kondapalli toys are famous for their lightweight, vibrant colours and age-old production techniques. Themed around mythology, rural life and animals, these toys exhibit joyous and realistic expressions. The famous types of Kondapalli toys include the Ambari-Elephant design, Palm Tree, Dasavatara (a set of 10 toys), and Village Set (a set of 24 toys). During the Dussehra and Sankranthi celebrations, the practice of “Bommala Koluvu” or “Kollu” involves collecting and ceremoniously displaying toys. Many children and women strive to have the grandest and most elaborate collection during this time.

The carving tools used are a drill, hammer, axe, bahudara (for carving), aakrai (file) and chisels for finer work.

Details about export (procedures/ regulations/ requirements/ support).

1. https://www.epch.in/
2. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/