--- title: "Channapatna Craft History: The Story Behind Varnam’s Wooden Toys" description: "Discover the 200-year-old history of Channapatna lacquer craft. From Tipu Sultan to our artisan partners, learn how we keep this traditional craft alive today." canonical: https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/the-story-of-our-craft last_updated: 2025-09-12 --- # The History and Hands Behind Channapatna Craft Tribe Verified · 12+ years preserving Channapatna’s lacquer tradition. By [Varnam Craft Collective](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective) · Stores in Bengaluru, Mysuru & Goa; Ships across India · ₹2,650 per set (estimate) Part of [Artisan Toys & Traditional Games](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/gallery) More than just wooden toys, these pieces hold 200 years of history. Meet the artisans who keep this tradition alive with every turn of the lathe. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Our story begins in the court of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. His fascination with a lacquered wooden tiger sparked the birth of this craft, blending Persian lacquer techniques with local timber. This is the first part of our series tracing the fascinating history of Channapatna craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/21d3d232-0b75-41d3-a00c-ac5848cc274a) - [Video: When Tipu’s reign ended, the vibrant lacquer studios fell silent. Yet, in humble village workshops, a few families kept the glossy legacy alive, turning wood by hand despite the odds. Through decades of quiet perseverance, the spirit of Channapatna whispered on.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9ea3b847-442e-420c-a82a-246f2e058cd3) - [Video: The craft saw a renaissance under the Wodeyars in the 1950s, when master craftsman Bawa Mia was sent to Japan to master urushi lacquer. He returned to found the Lacquer Research Center, blending Japanese finesse with our shellac traditions and securing the craft's future.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/db1e2f1f-aa3a-4496-802e-a72970fe2c46) - [Video: Varnam’s story didn’t start with a product. It started with people like Hameed, a master artisan who has been with us from the very beginning. From building our first toys to creating a mobile lathe, Hameed doesn't just shape wood, he shapes our journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/286b80f3-1590-4d7e-86b3-8d4cdfe59c68) - [Video: Meet Pallavi, one of the only women artisans in Channapatna to lead a workshop of her own. In a centuries-old, male-dominated craft, she has carved her place with grit and skill. Her journey from a shy worker to a confident owner is an inspiration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/569640f9-c550-4ecf-87f8-f02784586493) - [Video: Design may spark the idea, but it is the artisan who gives it form and soul. Dilip comes from a long line of Channapatna master craftsmen and today runs his own workshop under our guidance. He doesn't just make; he imagines, solves, and designs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fdab16e7-0b52-4d43-b549-39b3c419a8a6) - [Video: If you’ve walked into our Indiranagar store, you’ve likely been greeted by Arun’s kind smile. He has been with us since our first tiny basement store, growing with us and keeping the spirit of Varnam alive with his quiet dedication and warmth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cdb3a03e-8c57-4c43-8846-bebd5710202c) - [Video: Have you ever wondered how our toys are made? This is the story of our 'Toys with a Twist', showing the journey from a simple piece of wood to our functional and quirky Flappy the Elephant coaster set, all handcrafted by our artisans.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ef1ef823-7c2b-4463-a173-9fa85769dbea) - ![This is a moment of collaboration between me and Pallavi, our master craftswoman. It's in these interactions, sharing ideas and refining designs, that the true magic of Varnam happens. It's a partnership built on respect for the craft and a shared vision.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ddd91f6c-73d0-4c11-923f-ba690789ca32) - [Video: The story of grit, determination, and sheer hard work. Pallavi, our master craftswoman, shares in her own words how she started as a trainee and today trains others while running her own unit in Channapatna.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b526ca4-76ec-4cc9-82b7-ad798f77004e) - [Video: Pallavi started her training with us doing the most complex designs with utmost precision. It was a milestone moment when, after years of coaxing, she finally agreed to open her own unit. It's a proud moment for us to be part of her journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c5a50fcc-0261-48fe-9a1f-d87518a2683d) - [Video: Pallavi is my master craftswoman from Channapatna, someone we have nurtured from day one. Her skill and attitude are second to none. In the midst of chaos and challenges facing the craft, her journey gives us a glimmer of hope.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d85ea41c-8b41-44a9-a6ec-e8e7c1a3d6dd) - [Video: This Dasara was a milestone for our artisan family. We helped our artisans, Pallavi and Dilip, start their own units. Pallavi has blossomed into the only female artisan running her own unit, and Dilip is pursuing his dream of leading his own craft business.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1f8fa736-5d8b-4921-b9f6-3eb99829adb0) - [Video: The opening of our Mysore store was an intimate affair dedicated to our artisans from Channapatna. It was heartwarming to see them swell with pride as they saw the setting in which their products were displayed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4460f28-c9dc-4e93-86ed-6546cb019351) - [Video: We recently organized a day trip for a group to visit our artisan unit at Channapatna and our Mysore store. It was a day of cultural and craft immersion, connecting people directly with the makers and their process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7e7509de-ea06-4993-a481-beb1563a3fb7) - [Video: A glimpse into the artisan's world. This video shows the intricate process of lac-turnery, where wood is shaped and colored on the lathe, a skill passed down through generations in Channapatna.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1a4682d0-e74e-4835-b97d-a4c97209b191) - [Video: The handcrafted wooden toys from Karnataka’s famous ‘toy town’ of Channapatna are facing a battle. We are working to preserve this 200-year-old art form by creating designs that are relevant today, ensuring the artisans and their skills thrive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a259b310-7d98-4ec2-9ae8-7e46215d64b2) - ![For those who don't know me, I am Karthik Vaidyanathan, the founder of Varnam. My journey into craft was an amalgamation of my passion for design and a lineage of creative Chettiar women. Varnam is my way of connecting with my roots.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/730f01a3-6add-4a83-b80e-4f40c51ba1fc) - [Video: Varnam means colors, and it reflects my roots in Chettinad, a region known for its vibrant mix of cultures. The seeds of Varnam were sown in my childhood memories of colorful homes, woven baskets, and the creative skills of my mother and grandmothers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c2b4dd8-0677-4db8-8425-f13ec847541d) - [Video: My first home, which I called Sweet Abode, was a tribute to my Chettinad roots, filled with Athangudi tiles, antique pillars, and handcrafted furnishings. It was in this colorful home that the seeds of Varnam were truly sown.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/205df4b6-732e-45ab-bd3a-f85e6f6cea5a) - [Video: My mother visited our Jayanagar store and got excited seeing the crochet toys, which reminded her of the skills she learned from my grandmother. My love for crafts comes from these incredible women who have contributed to Varnam in so many ways.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/de1fce4d-30bf-4769-b0f0-9758a9c15dfb) - [Video: At a recent design conference, I was asked about the role of craft in UI/UX design. I believe craft is the foundation of all design in India. Understanding it gives us a powerful local lens to innovate and create experiences that connect deeply with an Indian audience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd81b6f2-47ac-45fa-aea0-fa3b9c65e3aa) ## About The Story of Our Craft We don't just sell toys; we share a 200-year-old dialogue between wood and hand. When you pick up a piece, you’re holding work shaped by artisans like Pallavi, one of the few women in Channapatna to lead her own workshop, and Hameed, who has been turning wood with us for 15 years. Every product here, from our iconic tigers to our functional kitchenware, was born from this specific partnership of heritage and modern design. It is not about mass production, but about ensuring that every lathe turn supports a livelihood and keeps a tradition breathing. ### A Legacy in Lacquer The story of Channapatna craft is as colorful as the toys themselves. It traces back to the court of Tipu Sultan, who, inspired by a Persian gift of a lacquered wooden tiger, invited artisans to Srirangapatna to fuse Persian technique with local timber. Centuries later, during the Wodeyar renaissance in the 1950s, master craftsman Bawa Mia traveled to Japan to study Urushi lacquer, returning to Mysore to blend Japanese precision with our traditional shellac methods. ### The Varnam Difference At Varnam, we treat this history not as a relic, but as a living practice. We moved away from the 'cheap and quick' model that threatened the craft's extinction. Instead, we work directly with artisans like Pallavi and Hameed, ensuring they are not just laborers, but partners who design and innovate. * **Fair Practice:** We avoid the industry standard of 'wet wood' or cheap, non-seasoned timber. We pay for quality, ensuring artisans can sustain their families without compromising the craft. * **Modern Utility:** We adapted traditional lac-turnery to create items for the modern home—napkin rings, salt shakers, and stationery—proving that heritage has a place in our daily lives. * **Empowerment:** We’ve helped our master artisans, like Pallavi, set up their own independent production units, fostering a new generation of craft entrepreneurs rather than just factory workers. ### More Than a Souvenir When you see a Varnam piece, you are looking at 'The joy of just enough'. It is about the curve of a lid, the taper of a beak, and the natural dyes that are safe for your little ones to hold. This is a conversation between hand and heritage, and we are grateful you chose to listen. ## About Varnam Craft Collective We’re Varnam. Craft’s our heartbeat, not the algorithm. I started out dreaming music and ended up spinning stories with wood and colour, working alongside artisans like Hameed and Pallavi who are the true soul of what we do. [See all of Varnam Craft Collective's services](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective) ## More from Artisan Toys & Traditional Games by Varnam Craft Collective - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/featured) - [Traditional Board Games, Reimagined](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/traditional-board-games-reimagined) - [Toys for Learning & Development](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/toys-for-learning-development) - [Whimsical Pull & Push Toys](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/whimsical-pull-push-toys) - [Gombes: A Festival of Dolls](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/gombes-a-festival-of-dolls) - [Quirky & Functional Decor](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/quirky-functional-decor) - [Gifts for Little Ones](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/gifts-for-little-ones) - [A Glimpse into Our Homes](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/a-glimpse-into-our-homes) - [Customer Stories & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/artisan-toys-traditional-games/customer-stories-collaborations) ## More services by Varnam Craft Collective - [Corporate Gifting](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/corporate-gifting) - [Handcrafted Apparel & Accessories](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/handcrafted-apparel-accessories) - [Handcrafted Home Decor & Kitchenware](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/handcrafted-home-decor-kitchenware) ## Similar work from other experts - [Our Legacy: Recognition and Craftsmanship in Channapatna](https://mytribe.in/bharath-art-crafts/channapatna-craft-experience/a-legacy-of-recognition) by Bharath Art And Crafts · Channapatna Craft Experience · Factory visit in Channapatna - [Behind the Scenes of Our Thammampatty Workshop](https://mytribe.in/sengottuvel_wood_carvings/carved-wooden-wall-art-reliefs/the-art-of-the-craft) by Sengottuvel · Carved Wooden Wall Art & Reliefs · Ships across India; Workshop in Thammampatti, Salem - [The Art Behind Our Handcrafted Bamboo](https://mytribe.in/aslibamboo/artisanal-home-decor-lighting/the-artisan-s-touch) by Asli Bamboo · Artisanal Home Decor & Lighting · Ships across India - [The Artisan's Touch: Handmade Decor and Craftsmanship Stories](https://mytribe.in/thorny_affair/pots-planters/the-artisan-s-touch) by Thorny Affair · Pots & Planters · Ships across India - [The Art of Craftsmanship in Woodworking](https://mytribe.in/alankara_wallcoverings/custom-furniture-design-manufacturing/the-art-of-craftsmanship) by Alankara Homestories · Custom Furniture Design & Manufacturing · Takes projects across Kochi, Bengaluru & Kozhikode; Visit studios in Kochi and Bengaluru - [A Peek Into My Handmade Art Process](https://mytribe.in/greengoldjewellery2009/indian-artisan-home-decor/the-artist-s-journey) by Greengold · Indian Artisan Home Decor · Ships across India ## Book To book Varnam Craft Collective, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Artisan%20Toys%20%26%20Traditional%20Games%20by%20Varnam%20Craft%20Collective.) 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