231. Nirmal Toys and Craft

Nirmal toys and Crafts are delightful expressions of art of natural forms made from the wood of ‘poniki’. These trees are found in the forests and hills adjoining Nirmal. The toys are of different size and shape. 

These toys made by the artisans can be classified into three categories: 

• Animals and birds that include tiger, deer, peacock, parrot, etc. 

• Fruits and vegetables that include brinjal, tomato, grapes, mango, etc. 

• Idols of Gods and Goddesses like Kaamdhenu, Ram, Sita, Hanuman, etc

Poniki wood (the botanical name of it being Jiuotia Rotteri Fromis) is used to make Nirmal toys, is sourced from the surrounding local forests in Adilabad. The toys can be easily differentiated from other wooden toys because of the poniki wood used and by their weight. 

Image credit: telanganatourism.gov.in

Shape of Nirmal toys are made so aesthetically that the finished product has a life like quality which is expressive of natural forms like animals, birds, fruits and vegetables. There is no particular size for the toys and the same form is made in different sizes as per requirement.

If the toy has to be made up of two or more pieces of wood then these pieces are joined using ‘lappam’ (adhesive of tamarind seeds). If the toy can be made from one solid piece of wood then filing is done using the ‘aakurai’ (filer). After this the ‘lappam’ is applied to give a proper definition to the shape of the toy.

At this stage the details in the shape of limbs, legs, beaks etc. are worked upon. This is done by drilling small holes into the forms with a sharp pointed drilling instrument called a ‘tochan’. Bamboo stems are then dipped in the indigenous paste called ‘lappam’ and inserted into the holes.

The fine cotton cloth is coated with ‘paatu’ (a mixture of tamarind seed paste and water) which reinforces the joins of the article. ‘Paatu’ is then applied on the whole body of the toys with the help of ‘Taapi’. This layer of cloth and ‘paatu’ make sure that no cracks appear on the joints in the future.

A solution of ‘suddamatti’ (clay found on river beds or near canals), water and envelope gum is applied onto the form using squirrel hair brushes. This works as an adhesive and also provides a fine surface for painting. After this process, if any cracks appear on the surface, then small strips of paper called ‘chiri’ are pasted onto these cracks using ‘paatu’.

These toys are then painted in colours which are very pleasing and appealing to the eye. For painting the toys natural colours are used. The natural colours are prepared by the artisans themselves from locally available material like flowers of moduga tree, bark of pomegranate tree, indigo plant, turmeric, etc.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 22 April 2008

GI Tag Number                         : 91

Certificate Number                  : 64

Geographical Area                  : Telangana

Special Cover Release Date   : 16 December 2021

Cancellation                             : Hyderabad GPO 500 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : TS/31/2021

Enlarged View of Illustration

Enlarged View of Cancellation

Back Side Scan

India Post has also issued a Picture Post Card on Nirmal Toys and Craft details of the same is furnished below

Nirmal Toys and Crafts 
Picture Post Card Issued on 01 October 2020 
Cancelled at Nirmal 504 106

Back Side Scan