Traditional Indian Board Games Reimagined for Modern Play
I believe games connect us, not just to each other, but to our past. I have taken timeless Indian and classic board games and given them a handcrafted twist, combining Channapatna woodwork with beautiful Lambadi embroidery.
A beautiful reminder that life and work are all about making the right moves. This handcrafted wooden chess set blends the toy craft of Channapatna and the Lambadi embroidery of Tamil Nadu, bringing elegance to any study or lounge.
A classic game, reimagined through the hands of tradition. This portable chess set features a hand-embroidered mat and Channapatna wooden pieces, making it a timeless companion for quiet afternoons and curious minds.
Who said chess can’t spin you into joy? We’ve reimagined the entire chess set into handcrafted, colorful spinning tops. Each piece is a character, and each spin is a story, bringing a playful twist to a classic game.
Some classics never lose their charm. Our Channapatna Kuruvi Tic-Tac-Toe is a timeless beauty, reimagined with our signature quirky little birds. It's a piece of heritage and a burst of joy you’ll never tire of.
Fancy a game of tic-tac-toe with our Kuruvis? Now available in different colors, this game proves you're never too old for a classic. The handcrafted wooden pieces make every match a delight.
This is our version of the classic game of ‘Goats and Tigers’, also known as Aadu Pulli Aata. It’s a fusion of two crafts, with lightweight wooden pawns from Channapatna and a beautiful mat custom-embroidered by Lambadi women from Sitlingi.
The popular board game, Aadu Hulli Aata, finds a new form with this beautiful fusion of two traditional South Indian crafts. The wooden pawns are handcrafted by our artisans, and the mat is embroidered by the Porgai artisan group.
About this collection
We don’t just design boards; we create travel-ready companions. Each set pairs a foldable fabric mat, intricately embroidered by Lambadi artisans in Sitlingi, with hand-turned wooden pawns that pack down into a compact kora potli bag, making them ideal for carrying on your next trip.
These games are born from the 'Me to We' project, an initiative that brings together different craft traditions, geographies, and media. We wanted to move beyond the plastic, mass-produced experience of modern board games and return to something that feels alive in your hands.
Every piece is turned from 'Aale mara' (Ivory wood) by our artisans in Channapatna, using traditional lac-turnery. We rely exclusively on natural, non-toxic dyes and shellac, meaning these games are safe for everyone—from curious toddlers learning their first shapes to adults seeking a mindful break. The mats are a fusion of heritage, with the Lambadi community of Sitlingi lending their intricate needlework to create board surfaces that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Whether it is the strategic depth of 'Aadu Hulli Aata' (Goats and Tigers), the classic logic of a handcrafted Chess set, or the quiet patience of Solitaire, these games are designed for 'soul time'. They are not meant to be tucked away in a cupboard; they are meant to be laid out on a coffee table, a train tray, or a picnic mat. By choosing these, you aren't just getting a game; you are supporting the livelihoods of the Porgai artisans and the woodturners of Channapatna who keep these traditions breathing.
Varnam Craft Collective
I'm Karthik. At Varnam, we don't view games as simple playthings; they are tactile stories that bridge the gap between our past and present. By pairing Channapatna’s wood-turning heritage with the intricate Lambadi embroidery of the Porgai artisans, we’ve created sets that invite you to slow down and reconnect with the simple joy of play.
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