It is that time of the year again when antique, art and craft collectors Rohini Sen and Eshwar Naidu usher in Navrathri with their ever-expanding collection of kolu dolls. That’s at least a 1,000 unique dolls sourced from select traditional craftsmen in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The third such time that the couple is opening the doors of their home to those who want a peek into their collection, this year’s theme is based on temples and festivals of India.
Kolu dolls at Rohini Sen and Eshwar Naidu’s home
The kolus for this year are an all-new collection of myriad sets, each a re-enactment of stories from mythology, complete with replicas of temples or recreations of popular temples and royal processions including a Dasara Jumbo Savari Set. “It includes the palace, clock tower and Chamaraja Circle, all points covered by the procession and kolu dolls of other activities held there such as wrestling and the Somana Kunitha artistes or mask dance,” explains Eshwar.
Labour of love
On display is a labour of love, carefully procured by the young couple from craftsmen who they say are “like family,” based in Madurai, Bengaluru, Velachery, Mysore and other towns. After receiving a stream of visitors like they did last year, most hosts would be exhausted. But not this couple for whom R&R comes from diving headlong into more trips to source new kolu dolls. “We set out soon after last year’s Dasara to look for this year’s collection,” says Eshwar adding that this year’s display will feature many dolls previously unseen in Thiruvananthapuram, or even Mada Street in Mylapore, a heaven for doll buyers.
Kolu dolls at Rohini Sen and Eshwar Naidu’s home
This year’s display ranges from the simple Arasamaram Vinayagar or Ganesh under the Peepal tree to elaborate sets like that of the Srivari Brahmotsavam procession where Lord Venkateshwara and his consorts are taken on different vahanams (modes of transport) such as a horse, a lion and the like for nine days. There is a Shiva bust with 12 jyotirlingas, a replica of the Varadaraja Perumal temple in Kanchipuram with its famed lizards, Lord Ranganatha’s Swargavasal set, and among others, a Ravana Durbar set with the ten-headed Asura king and Hanuman sitting atop his coiled tail. “It is new in the market this year,” Eshwar says.
Sets related to Madurai Meenakshi temple have pride of place at the couple’s displays.
Thirupati set of dolls in Rohini Sen and Eshwar Naidu’s collection
A contemporary artist and art educator, Rohini, who selects the kolus while ticking off from a mental checklist for finish, consistency, colour quality and aesthetics, says, “I look for hand-worked dolls rather than those made entirely from moulds.” Eshwar, who works with a private airline, handles the logistics.
The couple also has an extensive collection of antique furniture, tin, porcelain and celluloid dolls, vintage cars and posters. Rohini is keen to tie up with schools in the city so that students have a chance to know more about the dolls and architectural styles of the many temples as part of the display.
Those who wish to visit the kolu can email Rohini: bong.rohini@gmail.com. Also, Heritage Walk plans to visit the couple’s home on September 24, 4 pm. Participants need to assemble at the main gate of the Special Armed Police Camp, Oolampara Road, Peroorkada. Contact: 9645552118
