By Rini Saha

• Interior Design Faculty

Named after a ancient temple of historic importance and Thanjavur Paintings, Thanjavur is famous for its traditional toy called “Tanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai” in Tamil language, which means “Thanjavur Head-Shaking Doll”. The heads & the body of these dolls shake when disturbed and are detachable. The lower half of the body is disproportionately bigger and heavier than the head. As they nod their head & body with breeze, it is a delight to watch them move.

“Thanjavur Gundusatti Bommai” i.e. Thanjavur Roundpot Rocking Doll is just another type of Thanjavur Doll. These are basically pairs of ‘a king and a queen’ symbolic of the many dynasties that have made Thanjavur their home over time.

These traditional Indian bobble-headed or roly-poly toys are made of terracotta or paper & clay or even wood. 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 Thanjavur. Any tourist who steps in this city won’t leave without buying this toy. It is a souvenir to take home from the city. The Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai, in their doll-like semblance symbolizes the many dynasties that have ruled in Thanjavur. These enigmatic, handcrafted dolls have a cordial and welcoming aura, which can be attributed to the dancing style in which they seem to greet everyone, mainly by shaking their heads (which is their most striking feature), and moving their body in a continuous, oscillating movement.