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Whose heritage is it?

Writer's picture: LivinglifeLivinglife

Updated: Oct 26, 2023



'Whose heritage is it?' was one of the courses I had during my time in the Young India Fellowship. This was one of the courses I thoroughly enjoyed, not because I learned a lot of new things (which I obviously did), it made me ask myself a lot of questions.


When I used to think of the word 'heritage', I always associated the word with historic architecture that survived time. Yes, I do understand that heritage is not just that, but this was always the way I processed the word 'heritage'. This course however, focused on how our way of living by itself happens to be our heritage. Our architecture, our biodiversity, the food we eat, the clothes we wear are all a part of our heritage. Sometimes in this fast-paced world, we always tend to forget these little things that are a part of us.


We had to submit a project as a part of this course and we were given the topic of 'arts and crafts'. As a kid I fondly remember the "Thanjavur Thalaiyattu Bomai". Thanjavur is a place in Tamil Nadu and "Thalaiyattu Bomai" means doll whose head shakes. I remember so many Thalaiyattu Bommai arranged as a part of Golu, however over the years they kept reducing in number. As a child although I would always think about it, it never bothered me. But as I was growing up, I learnt why.


One thing to note about the Thanjavur Thalaiyattu Bomai is the amount of craftsmanship required in making the doll, starting from the mould to the mixture to the doll and finally the intricate painting that finishes the doll. It is a tedious process. This beautiful art form is vanishing in Tamil Nadu, as children no longer find such dolls attractive and fun. The influences of the West have affected the livelihood of such craftsmen, leading to them moving into other industries. This is the reality not just for the Thanjavur Thalaiyattu Bomai, but hundreds of other crafts and art forms in India.


Our attitude towards life has changed amidst all the stressors we face on a daily basis. Many at times we forget the smallest details that bring us back to our roots. The smallest step you take could revive a tiny part of your heritage that is being lost as we speak.


We prepared a small video about the Thanjavur Thalaiyattu Bomai as a part of this project with limited equipment and time. This was my first attempt in painting a stop-motion video and it was a fun experience!

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