The story
In the Kashmiriganj and Khojwan areas of Varanasi, turners shape soft wood on a lathe and colour it with lacquer to make toys, sindoor boxes and miniature kitchen sets. The craft uses natural lacquer and simple tools, so the products are light and bright. Toys are one of Varanasi's ODOP products, and the craft is protected by a GI tag.
In numbers
No published source we could open prints current numbers for this cluster.
GI tag
- Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware &ToysApplication no. GI Application No. 457; Registration No. 234GI Registry, IP India - Application 457: Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware &Toys
Ways in for a newcomer
- Safe, toxic-free toys for urban and export markets
- Custom return gifts and corporate gift sets
- Supplying seasoned wood and natural colours to turners
- Selling through toy stores and online marketplaces
Problems the cluster faces
- Cheap plastic and imported toys
- Toy safety standards and testing costs for small makers
- Shortage of suitable soft wood
- Low income keeps young people away from the lathe
Businesses to start here
Wooden Toy Making (Lacquer Turned Toys) →Wooden Toys and Decorative Pieces →Wooden Memento and Souvenir Making →Local Handicraft and Toy Making School →