Introduction

Design Resource

Kathputli

Making of Puppet

Prof. Bibhudutta Baral,Anisha Crasto and Anushree Kumar

Introduction

Historically Rajasthan is the land of kings, palaces, magnificent architecture and vibrant colors and also it is the largest state of India by area. Since ages people of this area have been involved in various activities and practices to amuse themselves or the royal families. These practices also developed due to the adverse climatic conditions and lack of natural resources. This encouraged people to take up traditional activities not only to entertain themselves but also to earn their livelihood. The tradition of puppetry is famous in many parts of India and in other countries too. These puppets differ from each other mainly in terms of raw material used, characters and stories/themes which provide the backdrop for the puppet show. In Rajasthan the puppet tradition is called Kathputli, where Kaath means wood and Putli means Puppet. Kathputli means a puppet made out of wood. However only the face and the upper body of puppets are made in wood rest is made using cotton and cloths. Kathputli’s are string puppets controlled by strings which passes from the top of the puppets and manipulated by the puppeteer. These highly decorative handmade puppets are the source of age old tradition of narration of historical stories, myths and legends. The narrations were accompanied with music and dialogues delivered by the group members. Kathputli became one of the most important and well know performing arts of Rajasthan and it represents the tradition, customs and socio-cultural backdrop of the state.

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Kathputli