Batto Bai Ki Gudiya

Batto Bai, a renowned and awarded Doll Maker in Gwalior, left a significant legacy behind after her passing. Her intricate and beautiful dolls were not only admired locally but gained recognition nationwide. Recognizing the importance of preserving this unique heritage, Batto Bai’s family members have courageously taken on the responsibility to continue her work and keep the tradition alive. With great dedication and passion, they have not only honed their skills but have also expanded upon Batto Bai’s creations, adding their own creative flair. Through their efforts, this age-old art form continues to thrive, captivating the hearts of both locals and tourists alike. The family’s commitment to preserving Gwalior’s doll-making heritage is truly commendable, ensuring that Batto Bai’s remarkable talent and the city’s cultural identity are cherished for generations to come.

Batto Bai, a renowned artist who revolutionized the art scene, may no longer be with us, but her daughter-in-law Naval Kishori Parihar and granddaughter Kamini are determined to preserve and carry forward her legacy. They have dedicated themselves to keeping this art form alive by creating exquisite dolls from old clothes right in the comfort of their own home. The process involves dyeing old white cotton cloth in vibrant hues of red, green, and yellow, and adorning it with intricate designs made from colored paper. To give the dolls a sturdy structure, thin bamboo sticks are used for the legs, and the head is shaped using sawdust. Recognizing the uniqueness of this art, the Madhya Pradesh government had previously honored Batto Bai by featuring her in their official calendar. Now, in an effort to promote and showcase her extraordinary talent, a dedicated web page named Batto Bai Doll has been created on the Madhya Pradesh Tourism website. This page provides a comprehensive overview of Batto Bai’s journey, spanning from the history of the art form to its present state, as shared by her family members.