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Home / IAS Preparation / String Puppets in India

String Puppets in India - UPSC Notes for Art and Culture

Last Updated on Jan 16, 2024
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String puppets are like special dolls called marionettes. They are controlled by strings attached to their arms and legs. These dolls have been used in storytelling for a very long time and have always amazed people with their graceful movements and beautiful designs. They come from different cultures around the world and bring stories to life in a way that captures the imagination of both kids and grown-ups. It's truly mesmerizing and magical to watch them in action.

String puppets in India is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Paper 1 (Mains) and General Studies Paper 1 (Prelims) and particularly in the History section. 

In this article, we shall discuss the String puppets in India, its history, different forms of of puppets.

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String Puppets

In India, string puppetry is popularly known as "Kathputli," which means a puppet made of wood. This form of puppetry is mainly practiced in the state of Rajasthan and is an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

String puppets are not only a form of entertainment but also serve as a medium of education and storytelling. They are used to convey important social messages and moral values to the audience. The art of string puppetry requires skill, creativity, and patience.

In recent years, string puppetry has gained recognition on national and international platforms. It is an important aspect of India's soft power and cultural diplomacy. 

Study the article Glove Puppet Forms India here. 

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History of String Puppets

The history of string puppets in india is deeply intertwined with the evolution of puppetry as an art form worldwide. String puppets, also known as marionettes, have a long and storied history, dating back thousands of years.

The origins of string puppetry can be traced to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and China. In India, string puppetry has a rich heritage, with mentions in ancient texts and scriptures. The art form has been passed down through generations, evolving and adapting to the cultural context of different regions.

In the past, people made string puppets using materials like wood, cloth, and strings. Skilled puppeteers controlled the puppets by moving the strings attached to their arms and legs. They made the puppets come alive with graceful movements and detailed gestures. The stories shown in string puppetry often include big adventures, teaching moral lessons, and talking about important issues. These stories entertain and also give wisdom to the audience.

As time went on, string puppetry changed and improved with new technology. Innovations like better puppet mechanisms, fancy lighting effects, and sound systems were added. Today, it is still a popular and treasured form of traditional entertainment. It shows off the talent, creativity, and cultural heritage of India.

Read the article Rod Puppets in India.

Different Forms of String Puppets in India

India is home to a rich cultural heritage, and one of its fascinating art forms is string puppetry. From the vibrant Kathputli in Rajasthan to the graceful Kundhei in Orissa, and the artistic Gombeyata in Karnataka, these forms showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling prowess of Indian puppeteers.

Kathputli – Rajasthan

  • Kathputli is a form of string puppetry originating in Rajasthan, India. 
  • It involves colorful wooden puppets manipulated using strings.
    •  These puppets often depict characters from folklore, mythology, and social issues, and are controlled by skilled puppeteers who bring them to life through intricate movements.

Kundhei – Orissa

  •  Kundhei is a traditional string puppetry form popular in the state of Orissa, India. It features small, beautifully crafted puppets made of wood, cloth, and strings. 
  • The puppeteers control the movements of these puppets using strings attached to their limbs.
  •  Kundhei performances typically showcase mythological stories, folk tales, and cultural narratives, delighting audiences with their vibrant visuals and lively performances.

Gombeyaata – Karnataka

  • Gombeyaata is a string puppetry art form practiced in the state of Karnataka, India. It involves small, colorful puppets made of wood, cloth, and other materials. 
  • Skilled puppeteers manipulate the puppets using strings and bring them to life through graceful movements. 
  • Gombeyata performances often portray mythological stories, historical events, and moral tales, captivating audiences with their intricate craftsmanship and the artistry of the puppeteers.

Bommalattam – Tamil Nadu

  • Bommalattam, also known as "puppet dance," is a form of string puppetry that originated in Tamil Nadu, India.
  •  It features beautifully designed puppets made from wood, cloth, and strings. Skilled puppeteers control the puppets' movements using strings and rods. 
  • Bommalattam performances incorporate dance, music, and storytelling, often depicting mythological stories, cultural themes, and social messages. 
  • The enchanting movements of the puppets and the synchronized performances of the puppeteers make Bommalattam a captivating and engaging art form.

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Other Types Of Puppets Used In India

In India, apart from traditional string puppets like Kathputli, there are various other types of puppets used for performances and storytelling. Some of these include:

Glove Puppets: Also known as hand puppets, these puppets are made of cloth and are operated using the hand inserted inside them. They are commonly used in puppet shows and are popular in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

 Shadow Puppets: Shadow puppets are made of flat, cut-out figures, usually crafted from leather or translucent material. They are held between a light source and a screen, creating shadows that form the characters on the screen. Shadow puppetry is well-known in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

 Rod Puppets: Rod puppets have long rods attached to the hands and sometimes the head of the puppet. These rods enable the puppeteer to control the movements of the puppet. They are commonly used in traditional performances like the Bommalattam of Tamil Nadu and the Yampuri of Himachal Pradesh.

 Marionettes: Marionettes are puppets controlled by strings or wires attached to different parts of their bodies. The puppeteer manipulates these strings to make the puppet move. Marionettes are found in different regions of India and are known for their intricate designs and detailed craftsmanship.

 Wooden Puppets: Wooden puppets are carved out of wood and are prevalent in states like Rajasthan, Orissa, and Kerala. These puppets often have jointed limbs and are controlled using strings or wires. They are known for their colorful attire and elaborate movements.

These different types of puppets are very important in Indian traditional arts and cultural performances. They captivate the audience with their colorful characters and ability to tell stories.

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Conclusion

String puppets in India have a rich cultural heritage and continue to be a popular form of entertainment and storytelling. They showcase the craftsmanship and artistic skills of Indian artisans and are deeply rooted in traditional narratives and folklore. Despite the advancements in technology and changing entertainment preferences, string puppets in India retain their charm and significance, preserving a unique aspect of the country's cultural identity.

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String Puppets in India FAQs

The puppets from India are called "Kathputli."

The string puppets of Odisha are known as "Ravan Chhaya."

Rajasthan is famous for its puppets in India.

Puppets in India are generally referred to as "kathputli" or "sutradhar."

India uses various types of puppets, including string puppets (marionettes), shadow puppets (tholpavakoothu), glove puppets (pava koothu), and rod puppets (kundhei).

Puppets on strings are objects manipulated by strings or wires to create movement and give them the appearance of being alive.
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