The small village of Kondapalli located at a distance of just about 25 km from Vijaywada, one of the major commercial centers of Andhra Pradesh would have faded to oblivion but for two reasons. One of them is definitely the skills displayed by the craftsmen of this village in the production of Kondapalli Toys and the other is the beautiful fort that is located within it.
A trip to this village serves two purposes. You can witness the fort which is a major tourist attraction and you can pick up a few Kondapalli Toys which will serve to adorn your drawing room. The Kondapalli Toys are not just decorative items to the people of this state. They are objects of pride to the Telegus all across the world. It reflects their cultural heritage and is the essence of their crafting skills.
There are several processes involved in the making of Kondapalli Toys like Etikoppaka wooden toys. In fact it is very interesting to watch these beautiful toys being made. The craftsmen first carve the Puniki wood to give it the shape of a toy. One is amazed to learn that this white colored wood is specially grown in and around the village of Kondapalli for producing the Kondapalli Toys. The wood is stuffed with sawdust and tamarind seed paste.
When the right shape has been given by chipping the surface, the toys are painted. The Kondapalli Toys which are made for the international markets are painted with the traditional vegetable dyes. If the Kondapalli Toys are made for the domestic market, oil paints are generally used and if they are being made for a special occasion then enamel paints are used. The colored toys look very beautiful and no one can resist the temptation to purchase one or two as ornamental pieces.
At a time when the traditional crafts of Andhra Pradesh are struggling for existence, it is very encouraging to know that the demand for Kondapalli Toys are in rising demand in national and international markets. The price of the Kondapalli Toys is pleasantly surprising. Apart from the village of Kondapalli, they are found in state emporiums and in handicraft exhibitions held in various parts of the state. Children will surely love to receive these Kondapalli Toys as gifts.
The Kondapalli Toys in the form of palanquin bearers, caparisoned elephants and farmer couples are aesthetically appealing and provide valuable insight into the culture of the state as well. They are indeed very admirable.
