Clay idols surface during Parambath Kavu Bhagavathi Temple renovation work

KOZHIKODE: Renovation work at Parambath Kaavu Bhagavathi Temple near Valanchery in Malappuram has opened up a treasure trove of artistic excellence. Hundreds of clay dolls have been unearthed from the Temple premises during the removal of soil, heralding the rich heritage of the place during the middle ages. Male and female clay dolls that have been found, throw light on the ornaments, fashion and dressing style of that era.

According to historians, the dolls were made by Anthoor Nairs who lived in the area and offered dolls to the goddess, an ancient ritual that prevailed in the region but which later faded out. The clay dolls were reportedly made using a different style — of the terracotta school that prevailed then — but was unknown to the outside world. Makers of clay dolls in India usually follow two different schools, one called the Terracotta school, in which the figurines after being prepared, are burnt to make them last longer. The second school does not involve the burning process for the figurines, and is more prevalent in West Bengal.

After the discovery of the clay dolls at the site, local MLA Abid Hussian Thangal informed the Calicut University history department about the incident and preliminary investigation has been conducted by the researchers. “After analysing the style of dressing of the dolls, we believe that they were made before the 19th century. A detailed study of the dolls will definitely help us to explore and better understand the culture and society that prevailed in ancient times,” said history department head Dr P. Sivadasan. Apart from male and female dolls, other kind of dolls like ‘Child on a Bullock’ (to invoke blessings to get pregnant) have been found which have been designed based on the type of prayer. The university is also planning to prepare a detailed project to excavate the remaining clay dolls and to conduct a detailed study of them.