• Mahek Manware
• Dr Mahima Nand

Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, the village of Budhni is renowned for its unique and culturally rich tradition of wooden toy-making. Recognized as an endangered craft in India, Budhni's wooden toys showcase the intricate craftsmanship and heritage of local artisans, who have carefully passed down their skills through generations. These toys are not merely playthings; they are tangible representations of the community's cultural legacy and artistic expertise. However, Budhni's wooden toys have faced significant challenges in the modern era. The rise of the plastic toy industry, characterized by mass production and lower costs, has overshadowed traditional wooden toys. This shift has diminished the demand for handcrafted toys and jeopardized the economic stability of the artisans who create them. Consequently, many artisans have struggled to sustain their livelihoods, leading to a decline in this once-thriving craft. To tackle these challenges and revive Budhni's wooden toy industry, an innovative approach has been proposed: integrating these traditional toys into the educational sphere through strategic board games and puzzles. By transforming classic games such as Ludo and chess into educational tools, there is a substantial opportunity to rekindle interest in wooden toys. These inherently engaging and educational games can captivate a broad audience, including children and educators, thereby creating a sustainable market for these artisanal products

"Playful Heritage: The Reawakening of Budhni Toys in Madhya Pradesh", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no.e220-e235, June-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406433.pdf

"Playful Heritage: The Reawakening of Budhni Toys in Madhya Pradesh", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no. ppe220-e235, June-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406433.pdf