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Hanuman, Ravana to take on Barbie, Teddy

GUWAHATI, MARCH 30. Barbie dolls and Teddies are likely to have a good run for their money as characters from Hindu mythology are all set to give kids in Assam an alternative as their playmates.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati in association with Vivekananda Kendra, Institute of Culture has taken up a project to design and manufacture toys of the mythological characters depicted in Bhaona, a popular traditional performing art of the State.

"Bhaona refers to the mythological plays composed by saint-reformers Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, where performers in colourful attire and masks enact stories of `Ramayana' and `Mahabharata'. The main objective of the project is to provide a means to the kids to associate themselves with the rich heritage of Bhaona," says A.K. Das, Associate Professor, Design Department, IIT Guwahati.

"Toys and masks speak a silent language that defines human expressions at various levels-spiritual, religious and material. They can effectively be used in schools to introducing kids to our cultural heritage," says Dipankar Mahanta, a functionary of Vivekananda Kendra, Institute of Culture.

IIT, Guwahati has already done a study on the feasibility and implication of transforming the characters of a traditional art to toys.

"The toys available in the market such as the Barbie dolls and Teddy bears hardly offer the much needed variety to the kids. But toys of the mythological characters such as the monkey-god Hanuman, demon king Ravan and the mythical bird Jatayu will provide a lot of colours and variety to the kids. Besides, these characters are closer to our faith and tradition," says Das.

While the traditional masks used in Bhaona are usually made of terracota, metal, wood and bamboo; IIT, Guwahati proposes to bring out the characters from 'Ramayana' and `Mahabharata' in soft toys of silicon and rubber.

"We are experimenting with materials that make the toys lasting and look attractive. Synthetic materials like silicon and rubber will make the toys soft and light and they are easily available too," says Das.

Efforts are being made to maintain close cooperation with the Satras (Vaishnavaite monasteries), which are the centre of Vaishnavaite culture. IIT, Guwahati is seeking expertise from the traditional mask-makers from the Natun Samaguri Satra of Majuli and Katpar Satra of Sivasagar. A workshop is also being planned where ideas will be exchanged with the Satras and soft-toy manufacturers that will help in maintaining authenticity in the toys.

"As Bhaona holds a place of significance in Assamese religious life, there is the need of utmost care in dealing with any of its aspects. We need to make sure that anyone's religious faith is not hurt," says Das.

Successful implementation of the project can also come as a boon for the local toy manufacturers. "Efforts will be made to involve the local manufacturers in the project. The project can give them good business opportunities. Once we complete the designing part, it's up to them to take the toys into the market," says Das. -- PTI

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Hanuman, Ravana to take on Barbie, Teddy

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