Long Lost Traditional Indian Toys
Lattu (Spinning Top) One of the oldest desi toys is the lattu, or spinning top. It has been around for thousands of years. The first tops, like many traditional games like as marbles, were constructed of clay and were unearthed in the Middle East as early as 3500 BC. Later, circa 2000 BC, wooden spinning tops appeared. Early spinning tops made of bones have been discovered throughout Europe.
Bhatukali Bhatukali are miniaturised kitchen sets. Utensils and other household goods were meticulously detailed and fashioned of copper and brass. Bhatukli was invented in ancient times to teach young females household management procedures and customs via play. Children utilised these to mimic their moms' cooking and use of common household goods.
Pachisi Pachisi, popularly known as "Twenty Five," is India's national game and has been played for millennia. The lesser known progenitor Chaupar (sometimes Chaupur or Chaupad) is a version of this.
Chaturanga Chaturanga, also known as Chaduranga, was developed at least 1,500 years ago and is said to be the earliest forerunner of the game of Chess. The Arabians transformed it to Shatranj, which was eventually adopted by Europeans during the Mediaeval Period, who changed it to Chess.
Channapatna Toys Not many toys can boast a 300-year history that began with a monarch; it is reported that monarch Tipu Sultan, who governed Mysuru from 1750 to 1799, acquired a lacquered Persian toy that piqued his interest enough to send artisans from there to instruct some of his subjects. That is how the wooden toys created in Channapatna became well-known.
Kondapalli Toys Kondapalli Toys are wooden toys created in Kondapalli, a hamlet near Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. According to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999, Kondapalli was registered as one of the Andhra Pradesh Geographical Indication handicrafts. These toys, known as Bommala Koluvu, are utilised during the Sankranti and Navratri festivities.
Natungram Dolls Natungram is a tiny town in West Bengal's Bardhaman district that is famed for its wooden doll manufacturers, also known as 'Sutradhars' (narrator or storyteller). These vibrantly coloured dolls from ancient folklore and mythology are carved from a single piece of wood.
Thanjavur Dolls The Thanjavur doll is another toy that acquired Geographical Indication (GI tagging) from the Government of India in 2008-09. This doll's history dates back to the 19th century, when it was created by an artist from King Saboji's Kingdom.
Gulel (Slingshot) and Dug dugi (Rattle) This classic Slingshot/Catapult toy from the 90's consists of a Y-shaped frame held in the off hand, with two rubber strips attached to it. The other ends of the strips lead back to a pocket which holds the projectile. The pocket is grasped by the dominant hand and drawn back and then let go, very similar to a catapult.
Pallankuzhi Pallankuzhi is an ancient mancala game popular in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Later, the game expanded to other parts of India, such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, as well as Sri Lanka and Malaysia.