Dynamic Folk Toys- Indian Toys Based on the Application of Simple Principles of Science and Technology (An Old and Rare Book)

Foreword Publications on Indian toys and dolls have so far focused on our tradition of figurative toys. The action toys demonstrated here display a wonderful grasp of the laws of science by artisans many of whom are illiterate and who have had no access to formal training. Their impressive command of physical laws and their ability to translate this into inexpensive play materials capable of endless hours of fascination for the child is astonishing. Their work opens a window on the immense possibilities that exist within our craft tradition for creating play materials for children who cannot afford more expensive toys, and who live and learn in village environments.

This documentation is a pointer to educators on the manner in which they can support and utilize crafts in the classroom. The author also provides us a glimpse of the socio- economic situations in which these skilled craftsmen function.

It is hoped that this monograph will serve to inspire every effort to assist and promote this valuable and so far relatively unnoticed sector of India's craft community. Here, once again, is evidence of the vitality of our crafts in the contemporary situation, and an insight into the craftsman's role in utilizing and recycling materials, and in providing economical toys which can delight and educate every child in our land.

Preface This monograph is the modest outcome of my interest in the aspect of creativity in Indian design and craft culture. The idea of documenting dynamic folk toys occurred to me many years ago. Being involved in the teaching and practice of industrial design, I have always been fascinated by these popular toys. Many of them stand out as examples of design innovation.

Much of this material was gathered in an informal way from 1974 to 1976 while travel- ling in connection with other assignments. It was put together in its present form in 1978 The All India Handicrafts Board showed keen interest and the monograph was originally scheduled to be published in 1979 to coincide with the Year of the Child'.

I wish to take advantage of this opportunity to thank my organization, the National Institute of Design, for providing me the time and the facilities to work on this project.

also received much support from many of my colleagues at the Institute, particularly Shri Ashoke Chatterjee, Executive Director and Ms Helena Perheentupa, Chairman Special Projects, who made untiring efforts to resolve the many problems that befell the monograph during the course of its completion and publication.

I am very grateful to Shri Rajesh Vora who provided much appreciated help by under- taking the designing of the book and by photographing the toys. This was done as part of his educational programme under the guidance of Shri Mahendra Patel, Chairman, Faculty of Visual Communication, am grateful to Shri Patel also for his advice in the matter of printing and graphic design. S/Shri D B Mistry, H Lopez, S N Shinde and the staff of Institute's printing studio have rendered professional service in the production and printing of this work. Shri Raghunath Goswami of Calcutta very kindly gave me a great deal of useful information and many valued suggestions on the folk toys of India's eastern region. S/Shri S Balaram and Augusthy Thomas, my colleagues at the Institute, assisted me by going through the text and offering suggestions. Thanks are also due to Ms Zette Emmons of the USA who shared her research work on the subject with me. Smt Fatima Al-Talib edited the text and gave it the finishing touches.

Most importantly, my deep thanks to the toymakers who willingly gave the information and permitted me to visit them repeatedly. Finally, I would like to record my appreciation for the interest, patience and support that have received from the All India Handicrafts Board in publishing this monograph.

**Contents and Sample Pages**