Clay dolls of Krishnanagar in West Bengal – The Cultural Heritage of India

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Indian Terracotta Figures : Krishnanagar Clay Dolls

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Ghurni is a neighbourhood of Krishnanagar in Nadia district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the centre for the production of clay dolls, often referred to as Krishnanagar clay dolls.

Maharaja Krishnachandra (1710–1783), King of Krishnanagar was a great patron of the fine arts, including literature and music and supported the production of clay dolls. In 1728 he brought families of potters from Dhaka and Natore and settled them in Ghurni, then a village.

In an article, the Bangalore-based newspaper Deccan Herald writes,

“We have clay dolls, toys and even clay sculptures in different parts of India. But there has been nothing to match the clay doll artisans of Krishnanagar in the Nadia district of West Bengal.

The creations of these artists are displayed in most of the handicraft museums and art galleries of the world. In India, we have a large display of these dolls in the Shankar’s Doll Museum in New Delhi.

Indian Terracotta Figures : Krishnanagar Clay Dolls

One look at the clay dolls and we are amazed at the reality with which the artist has displayed the character of the model. A horse rearing to gallop to a placid dog licking its lips after a hearty feed.

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Shopping: Click on the below images to buy dolls for Navaratri Golu online

Shopping: Click on the above images to buy dolls for Navaratri Golu online

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Krishnanagar clay dolls are unique in their realism and the quality of their finish. They truly represent a breakaway from the traditional form.

Fruits, fish, insects, animals, birds, and of course the entire pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses, and even the ubiquitous Donald Duck and other popular comic strip characters, faithful copies of real-life, down to the minutest detail.”

Impressions of visitors to Ghurni, Krishnanagar about the craftsmen & clay dolls of Krishnanagar (From Trip Advisor) : Please read

Krishnanagar clay dolls : Source of the image

Realistic recreations of everyday life, work, mood and character- farmers, weavers, rag pickers, basket makers, umbrella makers – are all specialties of Krishnanagar clay doll artisans.

Please have a look at a few samples of this great unimitable art-form of West Bengal shared in this blogpost.

Buy Krishnanagar clay dolls & toys on ‘Amazon India’ by clicking here

Buy Krishnanagar clay dolls & toys on ‘Flipkart India’ by clicking here

Craftsmen who understand the modern technology don’t have the necessary skills to create world-class products. And craftsmen who create awe-inspiring products don’t understand even the very basics of new-age digital marketing techniques of the 21st Century. Our brilliant artisans need help. Genuine help.