Remember the Chettiar bommai, a bobblehead doll used for golu during Navaratri in homes? It is a Thanjavur doll. These beautifully handcrafted dolls showcase the rich cultural heritage of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu. All the dolls have a lightweight body made of tapioca flour, papier mache, and plaster of Paris cooked and kneaded to the consistency of ‘roti’ dough. However, the makers of these dolls have been facing a tough time as many artisans have gone into other professions.