The lacquerware toys manufacturing was brought to India, particularly to Karnataka by a Persian traveler about 200 years ago during the reign of Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore state, whose capital was Srirangapatna. The art enjoyed his patronage. Since then it has gradually grown to its present stage.
The Muslim community in particular learnt this art and embraced it as a profession and bread earning activity. This is one craft within the reach of the common man. Nature's blessings endowed Karnataka with plenty of Hale wood which is the basic raw material for bright colored toys and novelties, bead curtains for doors etc..
Modern items include variety of oil lamps, folk animals, flower vases, decorative items and jewelery. Mud bells vivid varieties of novelties, ash trays, masks / wall hangings, agarbathi stands, candle stand, figures of gods and goddess of various sizes and styles etc.
