The Dancing Dolls of Thanjavur

In the culturally rich land of Thanjavur, people for centuries have been practising the art of making these dancing dolls. But how exactly do you make a doll dance? Read the story to find out how.

Various Thanjavur Dolls - Image Source: sangamhotels

Situated on the banks of Cauvery is the ancient city of Thanjavur (earlier Tanjore). Known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, the city is a goldmine for art lovers. From its traditional paintings, musical instruments (most famous being Thavil), dance festivals, and literature to the exquisite handicrafts, Thanjavur never shies away from reflecting its cultural richness.

One creation coming from this culturally-blessed land is the dancing Thanjavur dolls, traditionally known as Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai. The history of Thanjavur dolls dates back to the reign of the 19th-century Maratha King Saraboji. And since then, the craftsmen of these dolls have kept their art form alive, passing their skills and knowledge on to the next generation.

What sets the Thanjavur dolls apart and has caught the fancy of the people for nearly 2 centuries is their head bobbing and side shaking abilities, which makes them look alive and dancing. If you are wondering what gives them this unique ability, the answer lies in the ubiquitous phenomenon of gravity. The centre of gravity and the total weight is concentrated at the bottommost part of the doll and therefore, upon slightly tapping them, their bodies appear to be in a continuous oscillating movement. Thus, creating a back-and-forth movement, and they appear to be animated, as if dancing.

Thanjavur dolls mainly come in two variants; Uruttu Bommai or the raja rani dolls and Talai Aati Bommai or dancing girl dolls. The shapes and sizes may vary. Sometimes they are made in the forms of Hindu deities, figures from mythology, literature and dynasties that once homed Thanjavur. And sometimes the dolls are made to represent dance forms like Kathakali or Manipuri, and others*.* These dolls are often hand painted with gold leaf, adorned with precious stones, and display intricate embroidery and beadwork.

Depending upon the type of doll being made, the ingredients used generally are clay/terracotta (to make the spherical base), wood pulp, starch powder, plaster of paris, etc. A special kind of flour called ‘Bommai Maavu‘ is prepared. And further to create the front and back of the dolls, shape-rendering moulds are put into practice.

Mould Used for Making Thanjavur Dolls - Image Source: dsource

Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai which is translated from Tamil as “Tanjore head-shaking dolls” are now listed in the Government of India’s Geographical Indication (GI) registry as Thanjavur Dolls. This move by the government promises the preservation of this unique craft and further helps in promoting it on a global scale. If you get a chance to visit the glorious city of Thanjavur, remember to swing by the streets and markets around Punainallur Mariamman Temple where these roly-poly, head-bobbing dolls are sold.