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How We Can Breathe New Life Into The Clay Dolls Of Krishnanagar
Ghurni is a humble neighbourhood of Krishnanagar in West Bengal’s Nadia district. What makes it remarkable is that it is a centre of production for stunningly beautiful and lifelike clay dolls.
While clay artefacts are created in many parts of India, few can compare with the intricate detailing and finesse that define the clay dolls of Krishnanagar. The marvellous creations of these artisans are displayed in handicraft museums and art galleries around the globe.

Every doll just two or three inches in height tells a story, or depicts a vignette of rural life.
A horse rearing to gallop to a quietly relaxing dog, a village housewife chopping vegetables on the floor, a fisherman selling fish from a huge bamboo basket, basket weavers working with bamboo bark, a priest doing puja in front of a shivling, umbrella repairmen fixing broken handles, Santhal Adivasis dancing with Dhols, villagers carrying home firewood, an iron welder at his craft, a rope-maker working with jute and cotton – the list is simply endless.

Krishnanagar clay dolls are truly unique in their realism and the supreme quality of their finish.
Exhibitions of Krishnanagar dolls have been held in many parts of the globe including London, Paris and Boston. Ghurni clay models have won several prestigious medals and certificates at international exhibitions.

Unfortunately, despite the occasional accolades, doll making is a dying art form though it has been a part of the legacy of the local potters for over five generations.
The art received international recognition and saw its golden days during the reign of Raja Krishna Chandra Ray, when the clay artefacts were exported and the artisans were even sent abroad to promote and teach the art-form. But after his death, royal patronage came to a standstill.

It is time we step in where Raja Krishna Chandra Ray left off to preserve this grand artistic treasure. If we can generate public awareness through national and international exhibitions, aggressive social media initiatives, dedicated and relentless blogging etc, it might inspire the Krishnanagar clay doll makers to infuse new life into their beautiful heritage.



Krishnanagar Clay Dolls in Shankar Doll Museum in Delhi :
Shankar’s International Dolls Museum in New Delhi has a collection of Krishnanagar clay dolls. The museum was established in 1965 by K. Shankar Pillai, a famous political cartoonist, and has since become one of the most popular museums in Delhi.
The museum has a collection of over 6,500 dolls from around the world, including a significant number of dolls from India. The Krishnanagar clay dolls in the museum’s collection are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, and they showcase the unique artistic traditions of the region.
Visitors to the museum can see a wide variety of Krishnanagar clay dolls, including dolls depicting gods and goddesses, animals, and characters from mythology and folklore. The dolls are displayed in glass cases and are accompanied by information about the artisans who made them and the cultural significance of the dolls.
The Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, and it provides a unique opportunity to learn about the traditional art and culture of India through the medium of dolls.


Some of the master craftsmen who are national award winners :
There have been many skilled craftsmen from Krishnanagar who have won national awards for their work in making clay dolls. Here are the names of a few of them:
- Late Bhabatosh Sutar – He was a renowned clay doll artist who won the National Award in 1984. He was known for his intricate designs and attention to detail.
- Pradip Rudra Pal – He is a skilled clay doll artist who won the National Award in 2010. His work is known for its unique designs and vibrant colors.
- Purnendu Sekhar Das – He is another talented clay doll artist who won the National Award in 2017. His work is known for its intricate designs and fine detailing.
- Sujit Das – He is a well-known clay doll artist who won the National Award in 2018. He is known for his creative designs and use of vibrant colors.
These are just a few examples of the many skilled craftsmen from Krishnanagar who have won national awards for their work in making clay dolls. There are many other talented artists and craftsmen from the region who continue to make these beautiful and unique dolls, keeping the tradition alive.

Some of the museums and art galleries around the globe where one can see Krishnanagar clay dolls on display :
Krishnanagar clay dolls have been displayed in various museums and art galleries around the globe. Here are some examples:
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London – This museum has a collection of over 200 Krishnanagar clay dolls dating back to the 19th century.
- Indian Museum, Kolkata – The Indian Museum in Kolkata has a large collection of Krishnanagar clay dolls and other traditional Indian handicrafts.
- National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi – This museum has a collection of Krishnanagar clay dolls along with other handicrafts from different regions of India.
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has a collection of Krishnanagar clay dolls that were donated by the American collector, Stella Kramrisch.
- Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio – The Cleveland Museum of Art has a collection of Krishnanagar clay dolls that were acquired in the early 20th century.
- Peabody Essex Museum, Massachusetts – The Peabody Essex Museum has a collection of Krishnanagar clay dolls that were acquired in the 19th and 20th centuries.
These are just a few examples of museums and art galleries that have displayed Krishnanagar clay dolls. There may be other institutions around the world that have collections of these dolls as well.
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4 replies on “From Raw Clay to Exquisite Art: The Timeless Beauty of Bengal’s Krishnanagar Clay Dolls”
Sir inquiry for business purpose
Send me clay products and clay art . Clay art send me catalog
Pls send ur product pic with detail size and price
I am an avid blogger and I don’t sell anything. I am sharing some information here for you to source Krishnanagar clay dolls and toys for your business.
Sourcing Krishnanagar clay dolls from Bengal involves a few steps. Here’s how you can approach it:
Local Artisans and Workshops: The first and most authentic source for Krishnanagar clay dolls is directly from the artisans in Krishnanagar, West Bengal. You can plan a visit to Krishnanagar to meet with artisans and establish direct relationships for sourcing.
Trade Fairs and Craft Exhibitions: Look out for craft fairs, trade exhibitions, and cultural events where artisans from different parts of India come to display and sell their crafts. Events like the Surajkund Craft Mela near Delhi, or the Kolkata Handicrafts Fair, often feature artisans from West Bengal.
Government Emporiums: Government-run emporiums such as the Central Cottage Industries Emporium and state government emporiums like Biswa Bangla and Manjusha may have these dolls. These emporiums support local artisans and provide them a platform to sell their products.
Online Marketplaces: Some online platforms specialize in Indian handicrafts and might have Krishnanagar dolls. Websites like CraftsVilla, Etsy, and Amazon India can be good starting points to see if they have these specific dolls.
B2B Platforms: For bulk purchases, B2B platforms like Indiamart or TradeIndia can connect you with suppliers and manufacturers of Krishnanagar dolls.
Local Contacts and Networks: If you have contacts within West Bengal or can establish connections with local NGOs or cultural organizations, they might be able to facilitate introductions to doll makers.
Custom Orders: If you’re looking at large volumes or specific designs, consider negotiating custom orders directly with artisans, which can also ensure regular supply and exclusivity.
Establishing a relationship with the artisans not only helps in getting authentic products but also supports the local economy and crafts of the region. Ensure you discuss production capacities, order fulfillment timelines, and payment terms clearly with your suppliers to avoid any misunderstandings.
Contacting the artisans in Krishnanagar:
The artisans who make Krishnanagar clay dolls primarily reside and work in the town of Krishnanagar itself, which is located in the Nadia district of West Bengal, India. The majority of these artisans are based in the Ghurni area of Krishnanagar, which is famously known as the hub for clay artists and doll makers.
Ghurni is a neighborhood where many artists have their homes doubled as workshops. Visitors can often see artisans at work, sculpting intricate figures from clay. This area has a rich history of doll-making and is renowned for the detailed and realistic clay models produced by its skilled craftsmen.
If you plan to visit or source dolls directly, Ghurni would be the best place to start. You can interact with multiple artisans, observe their craftsmanship, and discuss business opportunities directly.
How to reach Ghurni in Krishnanagar for buying Krishnanagar clay dolls?:
To visit Ghurni in Krishnanagar, where the famed clay doll artisans reside and work, you can follow these travel options depending on your starting point:
If You’re Starting from Kolkata:
By Train:
Direct Train: Krishnanagar City Junction is well connected by train to Kolkata. You can board a train from Sealdah Railway Station in Kolkata to Krishnanagar City Junction. The journey usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Frequent Availability: Trains are quite frequent, with multiple options throughout the day.
By Road:
By Bus: Regular bus services are available from Kolkata to Krishnanagar. The buses can be boarded from Esplanade or Karunamoyee in Salt Lake City. The bus journey might take around 3 to 4 hours depending on the traffic.
By Car: You can drive from Kolkata to Krishnanagar via NH12 (formerly NH34). The drive typically takes about 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
By Air:
If you’re coming from a different part of India or from abroad, the nearest major airport is in Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport). From the airport, you can opt for a train, bus, or taxi to reach Krishnanagar.
Once in Krishnanagar:
Local Transport: To reach Ghurni from Krishnanagar railway station or bus stand, you can hire a local auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw. It’s a short ride and these local transports can easily take you to the Ghurni area.
Visiting Ghurni gives you a firsthand look at the artisans’ community, and you can see the artists crafting the dolls in their workshops. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss potential business arrangements directly with the craftsmen.