Design Resource
Toys of Tanjore
The Art of Making Dancing Dolls
by
Introduction
After Big Temple and Tanjore Paintings, Tanjore is famous for its traditional toy called "Tanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai" in Tamil language, which means "Tanjore Head-Shaking Doll". The heads of these dolls shake when disturbed and are detachable. The lower part of the body is bigger and heavier than the heads. As they nod their head with breeze, it is a delight to watch them move.
"Thanjavur Gundusatti Bommai" i.e. Tanjore Roundpot Rocking Doll is another type of Thanjavur Doll. These are basically a pair of a king and a queen symbolic of the many dynasties that homed Thanjavur. This doll is bottom heavy and gently bounces back and forth when disturbed.
These traditional Indian bobble-headed or roly-poly toys are made of terracotta or paper & clay. These toys are handmade and painted over with bright colors. This art dwelled in Thanjavur in the early nineteenth century during King Saraboji’s reign. Since then these toys are found only in Tanjore. Any tourist who steps in this city won’t leave without buying this toy. It is a souvenir to take home from the city.
