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Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Labubu dolls may be the rage, but this Delhi cartoonist's doll collection continues to win hearts
The woman exudes elegance in a striking red dress adorned with layers of delicate, cream-colored lace ruffles that cascade to the floor. She is poised — with one hand on her hip and the other gracefully holding an open fan. On the other side, her partner strikes a commanding pose with one arm raised and the other elegantly curved behind him. He is dressed in high-waisted trousers, a tailored black jacket with red accents, and a traditional flat-brimmed hat. They are Flamenco dancers from Spain, frozen in motion inside a glass case — two among the many dolls that fill every corner of a unique museum in Delhi. Labubu plushie dolls, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung based on Nordic folklore, may be the internet's latest obsession — while smashing price records. But in the Capital, long before the fanfare, it was one cartoonist's international doll collection that quietly captured hearts. This is Shankar's International Doll Museum. Founded by political cartoonist K Shankar Pillai, the museum has one of the world's largest collections of costume dolls. Inaugurated in 1965, it sits on the first floor of the Children's Book Trust on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. The story of the museum began in the early 1950s when Pillai was part of a delegation accompanying then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on a trip abroad. He was gifted a Hungarian doll by the country's ambassador — and was instantly captivated. Thus began his journey of collecting a costume doll from each country he visited. Today, the museum is home to over 7,000 dolls from 85 countries. It is divided into two main sections, with seven sub-sections. One section showcases wooden and wax dolls from European countries, the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The other features dolls from Asian countries, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Each section includes display glass cases etched with maps of the respective countries, offering a visual cue to the dolls' cultural roots. As visitors explore, children press their small hands and noses against the glass, eyes wide with wonder. 'Come here, see! These are such pretty dolls,' a small girl calls to her friend, standing on her toes to get a better look at the French dolls. These dolls reflect a journey through the evolution of culture and clothing. 'Barbies' with silky grey hair are placed on pedestals — some dressed in short skirts, loose socks, and boots, while others wear modern jumpsuits. In contrast, figures of elderly women are positioned at the base, wearing vintage gowns and carrying baskets of lavender, as noted in a label: 'grown in the upper regions of France.' One display features the first ever doll from Pillai's collection — a young peasant woman seated on a three-tiered pedestal, fondly gazing at the corn in her hand. Beside her are other dolls of women, both young and old, engaged in crochet work. The British display features a doll dressed as a royal queen in a regal gown and crown, flanked by guards in traditional red coats and bearskin hats — evoking the quintessential image of British pageantry. A mother of two, who did not wish to be named, says she used to visit the museum regularly with her dad. 'I used to come here with my papa (father) and have been fascinated since then. I've now brought my children to learn about the different countries… I think my daughter is enjoying it a lot here,' she adds. Another section of the museum houses dolls from across India. There are dolls from Kerala dressed like Kathakali dancers, dancing at the forefront of a grand procession of elephants, each carrying people on their backs. There are also women dressed in traditional white sarees with golden borders (kasavu saris) with gajras (flower garlands) neatly tucked into their hair buns. Chhattisgarh is represented through vibrant folk dances, Punjab through its energetic bhangra and colourful attire. Jammu and Kashmir is depicted through scenes of Shikara boat rides and intricate carpet weaving. A Delhi family — a woman, her daughter and granddaughter — is also among the visitors. The grandmother is excited to show her granddaughter the cultural tapestry of her home state, Assam. 'This is 'Mekhela Chador,' a two-piece garment worn by women on special occasions. This is made by special silk found in Assam,' she says, pointing to a large doll across the glass. 'I'm happy to see my state being represented in such a warm spirit,' she adds. Meanwhile, her granddaughter tugs at her mother's hand. 'See, Maa, it moves!' she exclaims. She's pointing at the thalaiyatti bommai, or bobble-head doll, from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Made of terracotta, the dolls are in various sizes, with a heavy, rounded base and a detachable, lighter head that wobbles gently. Hand-painted in bright colors, they feature wide eyes, golden crowns, and intricate ornaments. Aarti, who has come here with her two-year-old son from Gurgaon, is happy that such places exist. 'I'm learning new things about Indian culture… These dolls show the diversity of clothing, traditions, and art forms — not only from India but from around the world.' Navin Menon, the in-charge of the doll museum, says the collection continues to grow. 'When ambassadors of the embassies in India come here and notice that a new doll needs to be added, or an existing one from their country needs to be replaced, they get the doll made in their country and then gift it to us,' she says. Asked whether a Labubu might be added, she smiles. 'It would be great — but a Labubu is a character doll. Our collection focuses on costume dolls.' She also mentions that doll repair workshops are occasionally held by the museum to restore and maintain the collection. As visitors head toward the exit, two dolls are available for purchase — one a bride from Maharashtra, the other a dancer performing the Manipuri Ras. Both are displayed in a glass cabin — waiting to be taken home. Timings: 10 am to 6 pm. Open all days, except Mondays, national holidays, and festivals Entry fee: Rs 25 for adults, Rs 10 for children, plus service tax
Indian Express
30-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
At this Delhi library, how a 68-year-old retiree keeps the magic of reading alive
Every day at 9 am sharp, 68-year-old Nandkishor Rana walks into the Dr B C Roy Memorial Children's Reading Room and Library — a ritual he has followed for 42 years, continuing even after his retirement. 'I retired five years ago as an Assistant Librarian. Par books aur bachhon se pyaar hai isliye aadat jati nahi (But my love for books and children is what draws me back),' he says, sitting on a chair and inserting a steel rod into a shelf to keep a stack of catalogues in line. Rana had joined the library as an Attendant. 'It was my dream job…,' he says. 'As a child, whenever I found time, I would run to the library. Now, I share my experiences with children, who treat me like family.' At a time when screens have replaced books, and children are glued to phones and tablets, Rana keeps the healthy habit of reading intact. There are almost eight other children's libraries across Delhi-NCR. At the B C Roy library — located within the Children's Book Trust (CBT) building at Nehru House — the summer vacations are a huge draw for students, say staff. The library, which boasts of 7,000 members, is a treasure trove of books — from science, literature, short story collections, encyclopaedias — in various languages. Inside, to the left of the entrance, books are neatly arranged on shelves across three aisles. At the centre lies the reading area, furnished with long tables and chairs. The walls throughout the room are adorned with vibrant paintings by children, illustrating themes ranging from climate change to the ISRO mission. The library was founded by renowned political cartoonist, the late K Shankar Pillai, in memory of Bharat Ratna Dr B C Roy, who was a physician, educationist and statesman. It was inaugurated on November 12, 1967. Over the past four decades, Rana says he has witnessed how reading habits have evolved among the younger generation — many now prefer foreign authors. 'We have authors from across the world. But during my time, it was limited to Champak and Balbharti…' He also laments the general decline in reading. 'In my early years here, children would throng the library in large numbers and we used to screen movies… There used to be a big projector… we had even telecast the 1982 Asian Games… Now, parents bring their children to the library occasionally… I tell them, 'don't take membership if you're not going to come for six months'.' 'Children also stopped reading during the pandemic… it is visible now,' he adds, flipping through the pages of an encyclopedia, which, he says, has been replaced by phones. Even so, some find time to bring their children to the library. And it is on Sundays that the space comes alive. Sitting at a table is a family of three — a young boy, his mother, and his grandmother from Sonipat. 'We have been coming here for a month now,' says the mother who did not wish to be named. She is reading a story called 'The Black Clouds' to her four-and-a-half-year-old child. 'I got to know about this library from my mentor, who used to bring their children here,' she says. A professor at a university, she grew up reading Pinky, a Japanese fashion magazine, and the Chacha Chaudhary comic book series. 'I did read Chacha Chaudhary to my son, but then I realised it is not meant for children. There is a Champak collection in the library, which we reissue every time,' she says, laughing at how it has been a marathon reading session since morning. 'My son had to return the books we previously issued today, so we have been reading all day…' Next to them, the grandmother is glued to chapter three of a book titled 'Tell Me Why.' 'What is the difference between an autopsy and a post-mortem,' she asks out loud.' She dreams of being a contestant on Kaun Banega Crorepati one day. 'So many new things have been added — I need to stay updated,' she says. Looking at the trio, Rana is reminded of his most cherished memory — former members now bringing their own children to join the library. 'A few days ago, a doctor who works at AIIMS, who was with his child, came up to me and said, 'Pehchana kya? (Do you remember me?)'. It made me so happy — to know that my children still recognise me, and that this library has played a part in shaping their future and helping them reach where they are today,' he says with a broad smile. Nearby are a couple, Atul and Amrita, who have brought along their five-year-old twins. They hope to shift their children's focus from screens to books and instill a habit of reading. 'Our children are yet to learn the alphabet or numbers, but they speak short English sentences. We bring them here to try and ration their screen time,' says Atul. 'I'm really glad that a library like this exists for children. There are other libraries too, but they don't have a space to sit and read,' Amrita says, picking up a stack of chosen books. Also at the library is a Class VI student from Nizamuddin Basti — he wants to improve his vocabulary. 'I love (books by) Ruskin Bond and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I'm cultivating the habit of reading,' he says. Since the library's inception, CBT has been publishing a monthly magazine called Children's World. It invites children to contribute poems, stories, features, and artwork, while adults can submit stories and features. Geeta Menon, editor of the magazine, says the pieces submitted by the children have undergone a sea change. 'Earlier, we used to get long poems… now it's hardly 10 sentences — there is no patience left in children anymore,' she sighs. 'But we see a lot of new people becoming members during the summer vacations, since the child is free and parents make time to accompany them. Children also get projects and extra-curricular reading, and they come to the library because it has reference books to help them,' she adds. Back at the registration desk, Rana is busy counselling a new visitor. 'Get a membership for your child only if you want to come here regularly,' he smiles.
