Nurturing Legacy and Protecting Livelihoods of Rural Women Artisans in Karnataka – A Story of Resilience Paved by technology
Nurturing Legacy and Protecting Livelihoods of Rural Women Artisans in Karnataka – A Story of Resilience Paved by technology
Authors : Poulami Bhattarcharyya, Saksham Jha, Ritu Sengupta
In the bustling town of Channapatna,
nestled in the Ramanagara district of
Karnataka, known for its traditional
wooden toys, a struggle is underway, a
struggle to protect the age-old vibrant
legacy of handcrafted toys. These culturally
unique and eco-conscious toys, introduced
over 200 years ago by Persian artisans
brought by Tipu Sultan, offer a wide range
of intricate designs, from colourful wooden
dolls to horses and trinkets to toddlers’
walkers. However, the vibrant legacy of
Channapatna’s handcrafted wooden toys
has dimmed over the years. Once bustling,
roadside stores now constantly battle to
compete with changing market dynamics,
cheap Chinese imports, GST, and the pandemic. Despite increased consumer awareness
and a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and most importantly, the Government’s support
of Vocal for Local Toys, many artisans, especially women, have been forced to abandon
their craft for daily-wage labour.
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