A small village in Koppal district of North Karnataka, is known for one of the region’s most charming artistic traditions. The craft is rooted in the legacy of the ancient Anegundi region and carries influences from the Vijayanagara period, where temple sculpture, storytelling, and ritual performances shaped the visual identity of the area.

The village is home to the iconic Kinnala Toys, a craft practiced by a few dedicated artisan families who continue a tradition that is more than five hundred years old. Each toy begins with lightweight wood, shaped by hand and layered with a special paste made from tamarind seeds and natural materials. Once the form is ready, artisans bring it to life with bold colours, expressive detailing, and playful proportions that reflect stories from mythology, folklore, and everyday village life.

Every piece carries a sense of intimacy, created entirely within a home setting where the craft is learned through observation, repetition, and memory. These toys are not just decorative objects. They are miniature storytellers, preserving narratives that belong to the land and its people. The recognition of Kinnala Toys as a GI-tagged craft further strengthens their cultural value and ensures that their lineage continues with authenticity.

For Nabha India, Kinnala represents more than an art form. It is a window into the creative imagination of North Karnataka, a reminder that beauty can emerge from the simplest materials when guided by skilled hands. Alongside our work with Navalgunda Dhurries, Kinnala holds an important place in our journey to celebrate heritage, artisanship, and regional identity through creations that remain true to their roots.