I write this to correct the information found in websites regarding Navrathri dolls available in Panruti a village near Vilupuram in Tamil Nadu.After seeing information regarding the dolls ( we in our younger days knew about the Panruti dolls which are dolls out of clay and painted ), went to this village.Since no train reservations were available we went from Mysore to Erode and then stayed for the night at Tiruchirappaly reaching there for the night by catching another bus.From Tiruchirappaly there is a train to Viluppuram at 6.30 A.M. and after landing there went straight to this village Panruti.Of course we were puzzled on the way by not seeing any shop selling these dolls.Anyway the auto rickshaw man when enquired did take us to the single artisan living there.This artisan informed us that the artists making such dolls are all gone away from the village and he makes the dolls on receipt of orders.He said that manpower is unavailable for such work now and informed us that we have to go to Kanchipuram or Pondichery to get dolls.In Pondichery there was an exhibition going on since September 2ND and we will get those dolls though the quality will not be like his.He was indeed proud of his work though no pieces were there available to see.He with one labourer was making some dolls which were wet and uncoloured.
Anyway his guidance was helpful as Pondichery being only 33 K.M. away from Panruti we went by bus and as he said saw the exhibition which was well organized and purchased the dolls.So folks Panruti is out of the dolls map.Thank God we did not go to Vandipalayam another village mentioned in the net.Net folks correct yourselves.
Jayamala.
