Vadodara: From the hand-carved wooden toys of the 5,000-year-old Harappan era to today’s sleek, shape-shifting transformer robots, a Vadodara-based art collector, Chandrashekhar Patil (48) has spent four decades curating a mesmerizing collection of toys from across time and the globe. Soon, Gujaratis will be able to step into this enchanting world as Patil prepares to open what will be the state’s largest toy museum near Dhaniyavi village on the outskirts of Vadodara.The four-storey museum, housing over 25,000 toys, is more than just a display — it is a window into the cultural, economic, and social life of different eras. Patil’s collection spans ancient Indian periods, including the Harappan, Gupta, Mughal, and Maratha eras, alongside rare toys from more than 50 countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia. “Toys are not just playthings; they are stories of civilization, craftsmanship, and daily life. Through them, we can trace the history and innovations of every era,” Patil told TOI.Gujarat has long been celebrated for its vibrant traditional crafts, but a dedicated archive of toys reflecting centuries of changing lifestyles is almost unheard of. The collection showcases toys made from clay, wood, metal, copper, iron, silver, cloth, and plastic.Patil’s journey began like any child’s, with gifts of toys from family members. But the curiosity about the stories behind these toys grew with him. “By the age of 15, I was visiting markets and shops across the city, collecting everything from animals, birds, and bullock carts to cars, buses, and bikes,” he recalled.A decade ago, Patil began turning this vision into reality, acquiring land outside the city and constructing a four-storey building designed to showcase his life’s collection. The museum will also feature a workshop space where visitors can learn toy-making techniques, ensuring the craft is preserved for future generations.Patil plans to open the museum to the public within three to four months, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
