Toy Story

• I have from time to time introduced Anush to indigenous Indian toys. I refer not to the Funskool - MRF variety but the lovingly handcrafted toys of yore- eco friendly, colourful, economical and good looking. They are sometimes a little heavy ( being wooden) and therefore potentially dangerous if Anush decides to whack them or throw them about. But so far, these ethnic playthings have only been cause for fun. Here are some of them:
  
  
  

• A dried & painted palm leaf cube that doubles up as a rattle. It can be easily made at home and contains some tamarind seeds for the noise.
• A set of Etikoppaka ( from Andhra Pradesh) - train, rattle, Russian dolls interpretation that go one into the other, Ganesha pencil sharpener, telephone
• An assortment of spinning tops from Tamil Nadu
• A set of fruit jigsaws from Pondicherry( Banana/ Pineapple/ Tomato)
• A mouse from Mysore
• Could not resist adding the set of Elephants from Sri Lanka

Do share what you have on these lines with Anush and me. Else hope you acquire some for your own collection. (and you need not be a child to be a toy patron)

And while you are at it , visit here to trigger your interest in Indian crafts of all kinds. It seems to be a very painstakingly collated site that is as interesting as it is informative. I chanced upon this when I was looking for the origin of the word- "moda" or "muda"