Origin of Puppetry in India

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Puppetry is a traditional folk theatrical form of India. The word "puppet" comes from the French word ‘poupée’ or the Latin ‘pupa’, both meaning ‘dolls’. In Sanskrit, puppets are termed ‘putrika’, ‘putraka’, or ‘puttalika’, all of which are derived from the root putta, equivalent to "putra "(son). It is derived from ancient Indian beliefs that puppets have life. Although puppetry involves the manipulation of puppets—inanimate objects, often resembling some type of human or animal figure—they are animated or manipulated by a human called a puppeteer or sutradhar.

Puppetry is one of the most sophisticated forms of enactment, with boundless possibilities for creativity. There is a strong belief and contention by scholars across the globe that puppetry originated in Asian countries, with India being the cradle of puppetry. It then traveled across the seven seas to other parts of the eastern and western world. According to European scholar Richard Pischel, India is the land of the birth of puppets. There are references to different kinds of puppets in the 'Mahabharata', the 'Ramayana', and the Buddhist work called 'Therigatha', along with stories about the origin of puppetry. Evidence discovered from Sita Benga Cave from the 2nd century B.C. in Madhya Pradesh, and also in the Tamil classic ‘Silappadikaaram’ written around the 1st or 2nd century B.C., supports that puppetry is of Indian origin.


Terracotta doll of Indus valley Civilization.

In the Indus Valley Civilization, archaeologists have unearthed a terracotta doll with a detachable head, capable of being manipulated by a string, dating back to 2500 BC. This discovery could be one of the reasons behind the prevalence of all forms of puppetry in India and a matter of pride. The Thiveli and Gimaru inscriptions of Ashoka also indicate that the puppet tradition was used to propagate Dharma, along with providing entertainment and knowledge.

In conclusion, puppetry stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and creative prowess. With historical roots tracing back to ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and evidence from archaeological discoveries such as the terracotta doll from the Indus Valley Civilization, puppetry is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian tradition. Recognized by scholars like Richard Pischel as the birthplace of puppetry, India has played a pivotal role in shaping this art form. As a sophisticated blend of performance art and storytelling, puppetry continues to captivate audiences worldwide, offering both entertainment and educational value. Embracing its historical significance and continuing evolution, Indian puppetry remains a vibrant and integral part of global theatrical arts. Explore more about this fascinating art form and its impact on cultural storytelling to appreciate its timeless allure and significance.

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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

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