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In pictures: Explore the traditional and the whimsical at the doll galleries of Nehru Children’s Museum

Ahead of World Doll Day, My Kolkata takes a tour of the well-known Kolkata museum’s exhibits that feature Indian and international dolls and recreations of epic scenes

Nancy Jaiswal Kolkata Published 07.06.24, 08:10 PM
Did you know that Kolkata’s Nehru Children’s Museum in Maidan has three floors dedicated to dolls? The museum, run by the National Cultural Association, has three floors showcasing Indian and international dolls, a collection of dolls and statues inspired by mythological figures like Ganesh, as well as displays that recreate scenes from the Ramayan and Mahabharat using doll figurines
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Did you know that Kolkata’s Nehru Children’s Museum in Maidan has three floors dedicated to dolls? The museum, run by the National Cultural Association, has three floors showcasing Indian and international dolls, a collection of dolls and statues inspired by mythological figures like Ganesh, as well as displays that recreate scenes from the Ramayan and Mahabharat using doll figurines

All photos by Soumyajit Dey
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One of the collections has dolls — a male and female duo — in the traditional attire of various Indian states. Dressed in vibrant saris and ghagras and pleated dhotis, the detailing on the dolls includes intricate beadwork, stitching with exquisite patterns, beadwork, mirror work and tie-dye designs that reflect the rich textile heritage of the various regions
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One of the collections has dolls — a male and female duo — in the traditional attire of various Indian states. Dressed in vibrant saris and ghagras and pleated dhotis, the detailing on the dolls includes intricate beadwork, stitching with exquisite patterns, beadwork, mirror work and tie-dye designs that reflect the rich textile heritage of the various regions

The dolls from West Bengal include a bride and groom in traditional wedding attire as well as a couple with the man dressed in a ‘panjabi’ and traditional ‘kochano dhuti’ and the woman in a white and red sari draped in the Bengali style. The traditional garments are in silk and cotton embellished with intricate motifs and patterns
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The dolls from West Bengal include a bride and groom in traditional wedding attire as well as a couple with the man dressed in a ‘panjabi’ and traditional ‘kochano dhuti’ and the woman in a white and red sari draped in the Bengali style. The traditional garments are in silk and cotton embellished with intricate motifs and patterns

Also part of the collection are dolls representing Indian classical dances such as Kathakali and cultural variations like the Portuguese-inspired beachwear of the Anglo-Indian community in Goa
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Also part of the collection are dolls representing Indian classical dances such as Kathakali and cultural variations like the Portuguese-inspired beachwear of the Anglo-Indian community in Goa

The museum also has a small collection of international dolls. Among the collection of Japanese dolls are these costume dolls, which were dressed in colourful traditional Japanese kimonos with delicate embroidery, complete with an ‘obi’ or sash tied into an elaborate bow at the back, along with colourful headdresses
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The museum also has a small collection of international dolls. Among the collection of Japanese dolls are these costume dolls, which were dressed in colourful traditional Japanese kimonos with delicate embroidery, complete with an ‘obi’ or sash tied into an elaborate bow at the back, along with colourful headdresses

The Hakata Ningyo dolls (centre and right) represent the traditional craftsmanship of the city of Fukuoka in the Kyushu region of Japan. A distinct feature of these clay dolls is the finely detailed face with serene expressions, painted by hand, making these treasured items and collectibles, especially in Japan
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The Hakata Ningyo dolls (centre and right) represent the traditional craftsmanship of the city of Fukuoka in the Kyushu region of Japan. A distinct feature of these clay dolls is the finely detailed face with serene expressions, painted by hand, making these treasured items and collectibles, especially in Japan

A collection of dolls from China showcases the attire of various groups and regions within the country. Each doll is dressed in traditional attire, complete with headdresses and jewellery which are unique to their region, featuring distinctive styles, patterns, and colours
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A collection of dolls from China showcases the attire of various groups and regions within the country. Each doll is dressed in traditional attire, complete with headdresses and jewellery which are unique to their region, featuring distinctive styles, patterns, and colours

While Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity, mythological stories also depict Ganesh as having a playful character. That, along with the elephant-human form of the god, mean that the mythological figure has been translated into fun statues and dolls. The Ganesh collection at the museum houses many such examples, from traditional forms to fun ones like this one of Ganesh playing football
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While Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity, mythological stories also depict Ganesh as having a playful character. That, along with the elephant-human form of the god, mean that the mythological figure has been translated into fun statues and dolls. The Ganesh collection at the museum houses many such examples, from traditional forms to fun ones like this one of Ganesh playing football

One of the highlights of the entire display are the sections where pivotal moments from Indian epics have been recreated using clay figurines, like this moment where Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman, and their allies cross the river to reach Lanka
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One of the highlights of the entire display are the sections where pivotal moments from Indian epics have been recreated using clay figurines, like this moment where Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman, and their allies cross the river to reach Lanka

The scenes with the beautifully crafted dolls recreate a scene, like this one which captures a moment from the epic battle between Ram and Ravan. The detailed representation bring the timeless epic to life, and is sure to be especially enjoyable for kids
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The scenes with the beautifully crafted dolls recreate a scene, like this one which captures a moment from the epic battle between Ram and Ravan. The detailed representation bring the timeless epic to life, and is sure to be especially enjoyable for kids

A dramatic scene from the Mahabharat — the intense duel between Arjun and Karna — recreated with dolls captures the moment when Arjun is ready to release his arrow, and Karna, his formidable opponent, prepared to counterattack
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A dramatic scene from the Mahabharat — the intense duel between Arjun and Karna — recreated with dolls captures the moment when Arjun is ready to release his arrow, and Karna, his formidable opponent, prepared to counterattack

In another scene, a turning point in the Kurukshetra war, when Arjun’s arrow strikes and kills Jayadratha is illustrated with a dramatic display using dolls
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In another scene, a turning point in the Kurukshetra war, when Arjun’s arrow strikes and kills Jayadratha is illustrated with a dramatic display using dolls

The Nehru Children’s Museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Friday, 11am-7pm, and Saturday- Sunday, 10am-7pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Entry costs Rs 10 for those up to 16 years of age, and Rs 20 for those 16 and older
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The Nehru Children’s Museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Friday, 11am-7pm, and Saturday- Sunday, 10am-7pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Entry costs Rs 10 for those up to 16 years of age, and Rs 20 for those 16 and older

RELATED TOPICS

Kolkata Museums Dolls Dolls Theatre Nehru Children’s Museum Museums
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