Assam entrepreneur crafts unique dolls blending local culture for global audience

At his Zankla Studio, Brahma handcrafts a wide range of toys including dolls, birds, animals, and souvenir pieces. What sets these toys apart is that they are not just playthings, but they also come with captivating stories, some based on real historical figures like Gambari Sikla and 'Bodofa' UN Brahma, and others centered around fictional characters such as Alasi and Jarow, stated EastMojo.

Brahma's toys are meticulously made using standard fiber for soft toys and local fabric for clothing, while also exploring organic alternatives for raw materials.

The dolls serve a dual purpose of entertaining children and imparting valuable knowledge and cultural understanding through their associated stories.

The dolls are not only relatable to the children's surroundings and habits but also serve as a medium to create awareness about design in an indirect yet engaging manner.

Since its inception, Zankla Studio has received a positive response, with orders coming in from different parts of the country, including Mumbai.

Brahma, who began with his own savings, now employs 11 individuals in his venture. Looking ahead, he envisions expanding his toy-making business to include other communities, such as Rabhas and Garos, and hopes to skill and encourage them to design toys that reflect their own unique culture and traditions.

With the right strategies in place, Brahma believes that gaining a foothold in the expansive toy market won't be a challenge.