In childhood, one of my most enchanting fascinations was observing tiny fighting dolls sold by street vendors. These small, blow-moulded dolls were connected by delicate white threads, operated discreetly by the vendor who skillfully made them somersault and engaged in mock battles. Me and my brother never owned dolls, but some of my cousins had eerie ones. These dolls were usually baby-sized, with rigid bodies, stitched white hair, and haunting blue eyes, and they would shut when put in a sleeping position.
In the early 1990s, an iconic doll made it to India: Barbara Millicent Roberts, AKA 'Barbie.' Created by Ruth Handler and manufactured by Mattel Company in 1959, Barbie's origins can be traced back to the German adult doll 'Bild Lilli,' which inspired this unusual, fully grown, and unrealistic plastic dream. Over six decades, Barbie adapted to changing times and controversies, expanding her personality from a mere blonde beauty to various ethnicities, body sizes, and professional roles, including politics as a US presidential candidate. Barbie's marketing adaptability knew no bounds; she could be a doctor, engineer, architect, and even an Eskimo. She created her universe and leading position in global pop culture, although opinions on her influence on children remain polarized.
Conversely, India boasts a wide variety of regional handcrafted dolls that reflect the essence of desi culture. Among them, the Thanjavur Bommai dancing dolls are the most iconic, embodying the great Indian nod. These beautifully handcrafted dolls often carry social narratives, telling stories such as Tsunamika and Karuna Dolls. Additionally, there was a white-haired, light-eyed doll named after the prominent politician Lalu Yadav.
Despite numerous culturally rich and socially meaningful desi dolls, none can rival the global dominance of the plastic fantastic Barbie and her billion-dollar empire. In a world where desi culture and design intertwine, we hope to see new-age Desi Dolls combine the traditional charm and the modern allure of Barbie's fashion-forward universe.