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The manufacture of wooden
toys began as a cottage craft
in the town of Channapatna. Earlier, this was limited to
the production of traditional toys, dolls and household items.
However, children no longer prefer these wooden toys, as numerous
modern alternatives are now available in the market. Today, in response
to changing market conditions, the product range has been diversified
to include jewelry (bangles, necklaces and earrings), decorative
pieces, utility articles, skipping rope handles, chess sets, pen
holders, paper weights and rubber stamp holders. Certain items
are manufactured only for the export market.
The focus towards exports has brought about a
complete transformation in the manufacturing of these products. Initially, the
items were manufactured on hand-turned lathes. However, in order to meet
the requirements of standardization, the electric lathe was introduced and
the products are now being manufactured using them. Also,
the production skills are now often learnt formally in a training
institute or at a factory rather than at one's own home from elders.
And manufacturing too happens more often in a factory environment.
However, the industry faces severe threat from modern alternatives
that are available, and changing consumer lifestyles and
preferences. For instance, lacquerware pens and pen nib holders are no longer
in demand. Likewise, numerous varieties of plastic toys, plastic
chess pieces and plastic beads for curtains have almost entirely replaced
the products which were traditionally made of wood. |
