In The World Of Labubu & Barbie, We Cherish India’s Soulful Handmade Dolls

While Labubu dolls are social media's latest fad, our handcrafted Indian dolls have been celebrated for generations. In a market flooded with imported dolls made of cheap plastic, often replicas of cartoon characters or PVC figurines, India’s handmade dolls stand apart! They are crafted from sustainable materials like terracotta, clay, wood, and cloth, making them environmentally friendly and culturally rooted. 

This article explores some of the numerous traditional dolls that proudly represent their home states.

Thanjavur Dolls: Tamil Nadu

Made of terracotta, these bobble-head dolls were recognised as a Geographical Indication by the Government of India in 2008–09. A unique feature of Thanjavur dolls is their low centre of gravity, which gives them a dance-like movement due to continuous oscillations.

Batto Bai Dolls: Madhya Pradesh

The heritage city of Gwalior is famous for Batto Bai dolls, named after the artisan Batto Bai. Her fourth-generation descendants continue the craft. Handcrafted using rags, paper, clay, cotton, wires, bamboo, silver paint, and bright traditional fabrics, these dolls have an exotic tribal flair. They are painted with permanent organic colours and are always sold in pairs. 

Kondapalli Dolls: Andhra Pradesh

Originating from the historical city of Vijayawada, Kondapalli dolls are a 400-year-old tradition. Crafted from Tella Poniki, a softwood found in the Kondapalli Hills, these toys are made by artisans known as Aryakshatriyas, who claim lineage from Muktharishi, a sage gifted in the arts by Lord Shiva.

The dolls are assembled using makku, a paste of tamarind seed powder and sawdust, and then painted using oil paints, watercolours, vegetable dyes, or enamel paints. Subjects include mythological figures, animals, birds, bullock carts, and scenes from rural life. They are also famous for making nesting dolls.

Natungram Dolls: West Bengal

Crafted from woods like Gamhar, Mango, or Shimul, Natungram dolls are traditionally made by artists who were once stone carvers. The decline of the stone carving industry after the abolition of the Zamindari system in 1951 led them to turn to woodwork. Unfortunately, due to the laborious process, the number of wood carvers is steadily decreasing.

Etikoppaka Toys: Andhra Pradesh

Initially designed as children's toys due to their use of natural dyes and wood, Etikoppaka toys are both safe and durable. These include spinning tops, rattles, and animal figurines. The region is also known for producing Etikoppaka boxes, used for storing jewellery and sacred items like sindoor, haldi, and supari.

Thaki Doll: Maharashtra

Made from wood, Thaki dolls were traditionally gifted to girls, who have always held a cherished place in Maharashtrian culture. These dolls were often companions in early childhood and were passed down through generations. The ceremonial ‘wedding’ of Thaki dolls is a popular tradition.

Channapatna Toys: Karnataka

Dating back to the 18th century, these toys were historically gifted during Dasara. Made from ivory wood, sandalwood, or rosewood, their manufacturing involves wood seasoning, shaping, carving, colouring with vegetable dyes, and polishing. Their distinct lacquered finish is a signature feature.

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Kathputli: Rajasthan

Kathputli is a thousand-year-old puppetry tradition of Rajasthan rooted in folk tales. No Rajasthani celebration is complete without a Kathputli performance. The art form continues to be embraced by connoisseurs of Indian culture.

Sonpur Wooden Toys: Odisha

These toys trace their legacy to the creation of the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra in Puri’s Jagannath Temple. Crafted from local woods like shamli, shavan, and ghamandi, these toys often take the shape of animals such as elephants and are popular among children.

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Sambalpur Clay Toys: Odisha

Terracotta toys from Sambalpur are made by purifying clay and mixing it with water to ensure smooth moulding. Once processed, the clay is stored in airtight containers to prevent drying. The terracotta fish toy is among the most beloved creations.

Asharikandi Terracotta Toys: Assam

Asharikandi (Madaikhali village) is a renowned centre of terracotta and pottery in India. The primary raw material used is Hiramati, a special kind of soil whose quality varies by region. Weather plays a crucial role in the crafting process, making this a seasonal art.

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Banaras Wooden Toys: Uttar Pradesh

The wooden toys of Varanasi are a vital part of local culture. Sourced from nearby forests like Chitrakoot and Sonbhadra, eucalyptus wood is now preferred after the Keria tree was banned in the 1980s. The toys are hand- or lathe-carved, painted, lacquered using frictional heat, and known for their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Vilachery Dolls: Tamil Nadu

Every Navratri 'gollu' comes alive with vibrant Vilachery bommai (dolls). The tradition of crafting these dolls dates back to 1965. Velar families, traditionally potters, began making terracotta dolls and horses offered to the Ayyanar temple. These dolls, painted in bright neon hues, have become a significant part of Tamil Nadu’s festive decor.

Toys Made From Corn Husk: Manipur

Artisan Nelly Chacheya has gained acclaim for transforming discarded corn husks and silks into exquisite dolls. With corn husk bodies and corn silk hair, her creations highlight themes of sustainability, innovation, and identity.

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Marapachi Dolls: Andhra Pradesh

Marapachi Bommais literally means wooden toys in Telugu. Widely made in Tirupathi, these are traditional dolls made specifically of red sandalwood, silk-cottonwood, or red wood and displayed on Navratri as gollu. The figurines come in pairs of a male and female and are dressed up in colourful clothes during festivities. They are supposed to represent Lord Venkateshwara and Goddess Padmavathi.

Ghurni clay dolls: West Bengal

In West Bengal's Krishnanagar lies a neighbourhood called Ghurni, known for its clay doll-making history. The craft is believed to be at least 200 years old, depicting everyday life in that era with figurines of everything from animals to humans.

There are numerous more historic toy-making communities in India, which continue to be symbols of storytelling and identity. In the world of trends, we embrace traditions. India's handicraft dolls are more than just toys. They carry our culture, stories, traditions, and regional pride.