India has a rich history and tradition of handcrafted toys that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the nation. People have been making wooden toys on the Indian subcontinent since the civilizations of Mohenjodaro and Harappa, up to 5 000 years ago. Today, traditional artisans across India continue to craft these toys in their own unique styles, reflecting their regional and cultural diversity.
From Channapatna toys from Karnataka, Kondapalli from Andhra Pradesh, Thanjavur dolls, Kinnal toys and many more showcase the country’s artistic legacy and storytelling traditions.
Nirmal Town
One such example is the Nirmal toys. Nirmal is a small yet culturally rich town in Nirmal (erstwhile Adilabad District) district of Telangana. This town is renowned for its traditional nirmal paintings and nirmal toys. These paintings and toys have received a gi tag from the government of India.
Nirmal Toys
Steps involved in making nirmal toys-
- Artisans pick a wood called “Ponki Chekka,” as it is lightweight and easy to shape into all kinds of fun toys
- Wood is cut to desired shapes and sizes
- These pieces are then sticked together with a special glue
- Toys is then coated with Chinta Lappam, a mix of sawdust and boiled tamarind seeds followed by white clay to smooth any rough edges.
- The toy is left to dry
- Finally, the toy is painted with bright, vibrant colors to give it that finishing touch!
Themes of Toys
Nirmal toys showcase diverse themes like rural life with farmers and village scenes, nature-inspired miniatures of animals, birds, and trees, wedding scenes, folk stories and many more.
Why Choose Nirmal Toys
- Eco-friendly and Plastic-free
- perfect for gifts like wedding scene toys for weddings or animal figurines for kids
- beautifully crafted toys also work well as home décor, adding a traditional touch to your space.
Where to Buy Nirmal Toys
Authentic Nirmal toys can be found in Nirmal town, in Nirmal district of Telangana, market places in Telangana, and even on online stores. However, visiting Nirmal town is a unique experience! You can enjoy the traditional vibes of the town, explore its rich heritage, and visit nearby tourist attractions while shopping for these beautiful handcrafted toys.
Know more about Nirmal Paintings here.
References-https://www.dsource.in/gallery/nirmal-toys-making-telangana