Century-Old Raja-Rani Wooden Dolls and Madanapalle Terracotta Apply for GI Tags
In a significant move to preserve traditional crafts, the iconic Lakshmigaripalli Raja-Rani toys and Madanapalle terracotta and pottery have officially applied for Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Applications have been submitted to the Chennai GI registry, aiming to protect and promote these culturally rich art forms that hold deep significance across South India.
Lakshmigaripalli Raja-Rani Toys: A Cultural Heirloom
The Lakshmigaripalli Raja-Rani toys, a wooden doll craft with a history spanning over a century, are crafted primarily from Red Sanders wood. These dolls are immensely popular in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where they are traditionally gifted to brides as part of their wedding trousseau. They form the foundational element of the bommala koluvu collection, a cherished display during festivals like Navaratri.
Centered in the villages of Laxmigaripalli and Settigunta in Annamayya district (formerly Kadapa), this craft cluster is represented by the Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Artistic Wooden Toys Workers Industrial Co-operative Society, which filed the GI application. The Raja-Rani dolls symbolize a king and queen, embodying the South Indian Raja-Rani or Marapachi tradition. They are treated as cultural heirlooms within families and occupy a prominent place in bommala koluvu (Golu) displays, revered as symbols of auspiciousness and prosperity.
Artisanal Techniques and Livelihood Challenges
Artisans employ traditional methods using locally sourced woods such as Red Sanders, kudumatti, sarkar, and teak. The crafting process involves chisels, hammers, and files for carving, with brushes used for intricate hand-painting in vibrant natural or synthetic colors. The toys feature turned wooden bodies, a specialized woodworking technique where a lathe creates symmetrical shapes.
However, the use of Red Sanders, a restricted timber, poses significant challenges. Artisans are limited to licensed quantities obtained through state agencies at subsidized rates, which impacts both the scale and economics of production. Approximately 100 families in Laxmigaripalli and Settigunta rely on this craft for their livelihood. Despite forming a co-operative society in 1993 to secure raw materials and enhance marketing, artisans continue to face low profit margins, limited market access, and a trend of youth migration away from the craft.
Madanapalle Terracotta and Pottery: A Functional Art Form
Simultaneously, the Madanapalle terracotta and pottery tradition has also sought GI recognition. Filed by the Mother India Terracotta Artisans Mutually Aided Co-operative Society, this craft utilizes local red, porous clay extracted from nearby riverbeds and pits. Artisans blend two to three types of clay to enhance durability, with the cluster comprising around 287 craftspeople in Madanapalle and Palamaner areas.
The production process includes wedging to remove impurities, shaping via coiling or a potter's wheel, burnishing for a glossy finish, and kiln-firing to achieve a distinctive reddish-brown hue. Known for both functional items like matkas (water pots) and decorative pieces, the craft features motifs depicting deities, folk scenes, and geometric patterns deeply rooted in local culture.
These GI applications underscore the efforts to safeguard Andhra Pradesh's rich artisanal heritage, promoting sustainability and recognition for these timeless crafts on a national and global stage.
