Nirmal toys are world-famous traditional wooden toys originating from the historic town of Nirmal in Telangana, India. This 400-year-old craft, known as Naqashi Art, is a rich tradition encompassing finely carved soft wood toys, attractive paintings, and furniture.
The art form is deeply rooted in the region's history, tracing its origins back to the Kakatiya era and flourishing under the patronage of the 17th-century ruler Nimma Naidu. The craft is kept alive by a cluster of approximately 60 families and holds a position of pride in Indian handicrafts, recognized internationally, and protected by its Geographic Indication (GI) status awarded in 2009.
Founding: Nimma Naidu established the industry by collecting around 80 artists.
Ancient Roots: The craft is an age-old tradition dating back to the Kakatiya era with a recorded history of 400 years.
Artisan Migration: Local legend attributes the art's arrival to Naqash families from Rajasthan who migrated during the 17th century.
Regional Significance: Nirmal was a long-time production center for items like war cannons (supplied to the Nizam army) and toys.
Flourishing Art: The dynastic legacy of the Hyderabad Nizams and the town's strategic location (connecting North and Central India with the South) contributed to the art’s variety and popularity.
An herbal extract is applied to impart a distinctive golden sheen.
Exclusive and rich oil colors are also used.
The art features Mughal miniature painting on white wood poniki, highly valued by art collectors.
Livelihood: The cottage industry, including Nirmal toys and paintings, is the main source of income for the artisans.
Revenue: The cluster generates revenues in the range of Rs 3–4 lakh per month.
Threat to the Craft: Since toys are non-essential items, there is an ongoing risk of artisans abandoning the traditional craft for more lucrative occupations.
Market Differentiation: The status acts as a flagging device to help producers distinguish Nirmal toys from competitors.
Value and Fame: It has brought recognition and fame to the town, offering protection from fake products, which often translates into better pricing due to goodwill.
Market Appeal: They are widely popular and constitute ideal gifts and souvenirs.
Application: Nirmal toys are used for decorating living spaces, office spaces, and art galleries.
Academic Interest: The tradition draws other craftsmen from around the world to visit the town and study the art.
Cultural Identity: Nirmal toys are considered the pride of the Telangana region, making the town synonymous with its special toys, paintings, and furniture.
The art form is deeply rooted in the region's history, tracing its origins back to the Kakatiya era and flourishing under the patronage of the 17th-century ruler Nimma Naidu. The craft is kept alive by a cluster of approximately 60 families and holds a position of pride in Indian handicrafts, recognized internationally, and protected by its Geographic Indication (GI) status awarded in 2009.
Historical Origin and Patronage
Nomenclature: The town and the craft derive their name from the 17th-century ruler, Nimma Naidu, who had a great interest in art.Founding: Nimma Naidu established the industry by collecting around 80 artists.
Ancient Roots: The craft is an age-old tradition dating back to the Kakatiya era with a recorded history of 400 years.
Artisan Migration: Local legend attributes the art's arrival to Naqash families from Rajasthan who migrated during the 17th century.
Regional Significance: Nirmal was a long-time production center for items like war cannons (supplied to the Nizam army) and toys.
Flourishing Art: The dynastic legacy of the Hyderabad Nizams and the town's strategic location (connecting North and Central India with the South) contributed to the art’s variety and popularity.
The Art of Naqashi
Core Material: The toys are made from finely carved local softwood, specifically poniki or white sander.Coloring Techniques
The typical shine is achieved using duco colors and enamel colors.An herbal extract is applied to impart a distinctive golden sheen.
Exclusive and rich oil colors are also used.
Artistic Influence
The motifs are derived from the floral designs and frescoes found in the Ajanta and Ellora forms.The art features Mughal miniature painting on white wood poniki, highly valued by art collectors.
Artisans and Economic Structure
Artisan Cluster: The craft is maintained by a cluster of 60 families registered with the state rural self-help group.Livelihood: The cottage industry, including Nirmal toys and paintings, is the main source of income for the artisans.
Revenue: The cluster generates revenues in the range of Rs 3–4 lakh per month.
Threat to the Craft: Since toys are non-essential items, there is an ongoing risk of artisans abandoning the traditional craft for more lucrative occupations.
Impact of Geographic Indication (GI) Status
Protection: The award of GI status in 2009 was a crucial morale booster for the artisans.Market Differentiation: The status acts as a flagging device to help producers distinguish Nirmal toys from competitors.
Value and Fame: It has brought recognition and fame to the town, offering protection from fake products, which often translates into better pricing due to goodwill.
Uses and Popularity
Purpose: Toys are made for various uses, including utility purposes and ornamental value.Market Appeal: They are widely popular and constitute ideal gifts and souvenirs.
Application: Nirmal toys are used for decorating living spaces, office spaces, and art galleries.
Academic Interest: The tradition draws other craftsmen from around the world to visit the town and study the art.
Cultural Identity: Nirmal toys are considered the pride of the Telangana region, making the town synonymous with its special toys, paintings, and furniture.
http://golkondacrafts.telangana.gov.in/blog-nirmala-toys-7-11.html
http://www.supportbiz.com/articles/vertical-view/gi-status-opened-doors-opportunity-nirmal-toys.html
http://www.wionews.com/india-news/once-upon-a-toy-town-24296
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