Different Types of Puppets Found in India.

India, as the homeland of puppetry, has four traditional types of puppets. These traditional puppets derive their repertoire, costumes, and music from the folk theatre of their respective regions. The presentation of puppet shows involves the creative collaboration of many individuals. The types of puppets are differentiated based on the various methods used to manipulate them.

The four types of traditional puppets in India are:

String Puppets
Shadow Puppets
Glove Puppets
Rod Puppets

1. String Puppets

India has a rich and ancient tradition of string puppets, also known as marionettes. A string puppet, or marionette, is a figure with many joints suspended by strings from a control. These puppets are operated from above, with the strings held by the puppeteers' hands. String puppets are typically made of wood, wire, or cloth stuffed with cotton, rags, or sawdust. The joints and limbs of these puppets, controlled by strings, allow for greater flexibility and articulation compared to other types of puppets. Manipulating the puppet involves operating the control and adjusting the relevant strings.

Traditional string puppet shows are particularly popular in Rajasthan, where they are known as ‘Kathputli’. String puppet shows are also celebrated in other regions of India under various names: ‘Putul Naach’ in Assam and West Bengal, ‘Gombeyatta’ in Karnataka, ‘Kalasutri Bahulya’ in Maharashtra, ‘Gopalila Kundhei’ in Odisha, and ‘Bommalattam’ in Tamil Nadu.

2. Shadow Puppets

When the audience sees the shadow of a puppet rather than the actual puppet, it is called a shadow puppet. These can be presented in black and white or in color. Flat figures, usually made of leather, are lightly pressed against a transparent screen with a strong light source positioned behind it. The screen acts as a barrier between the audience and the puppet, creating a projection of the image. The effect on the audience, surrounded by darkness, is quite dramatic. The puppets are attached vertically to cane or bamboo sticks, and the puppeteers skillfully manipulate and handle them.

Shadow puppets are known by different names across various states in India. In Andhra Pradesh, they are called ‘Tholu Gombeyata’; in the Ratnagiri area of Maharashtra, they are known as ‘Chamadyache Bahulya’; in Tamil Nadu, they are referred to as ‘Thol Bommalattam’; and in Odisha, they are called ‘Rabonochaya’. The size of the puppets, as well as the colors and materials used, may vary slightly from region to region.

3. Glove Puppet

As the name suggests, glove puppets are primarily made of cloth and are worn on the puppeteer's hand. The puppeteer's finger and thumb act as the puppet’s hands, while the index finger represents the head. Glove puppets are typically small, with a head and arms, and they are dressed in a long skirt. A single puppeteer can perform with two puppets simultaneously. The tradition of glove puppetry in India is popular in Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, and these performances are generally held in open air.

In Kerala, the traditional glove puppet play is known as ‘Pava Kathakali’ or ‘Pava Kuthu’. This form uses the storyline, costumes, and music of the Kathakali dance. In West Bengal, glove puppets are referred to as ‘Bener Putul’. The puppeteer plays a damru (small drum) to attract the audience and holds both male and female puppets in their hands. In Odisha, glove puppets are called ‘Sakhi Kundhei’ and depict the dalliance between Krishna and Radha. In Uttar Pradesh, glove puppet shows often depict a quarrel between two wives of a man, ‘Gulabo’ and ‘Sitabo’. These performances are interspersed with bawdy jokes and humor.

4. Rod Puppets

Rod puppets are an extension of glove puppets but are often larger and supported from below. These puppets typically have three joints: the head, supported by the main rod, is joined at the neck, and both hands are attached to rods or the puppet’s costume. Rod puppets are found in West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar.

In West Bengal, rod puppets are known as ‘Dan-ger Putul Naach’. Their costumes, themes, and music are all derived from the Jatra tradition of Bengal. In Odisha, rod puppets are called ‘Kathi Kundhei’ and also follow the Jatra tradition of the region. The Yampuri puppet play of Bihar uses rod puppets to depict events that occur after a person's death.

Conclusion:

India’s rich tradition of puppetry encompasses a diverse range of styles, each offering a unique cultural experience. From the intricate string puppets or marionettes of Rajasthan to the dramatic shadow puppets of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the country's puppetry forms reflect its vibrant cultural heritage. Glove puppets in Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh provide engaging performances through cloth figures, while rod puppets in West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar offer larger, visually striking presentations. Each form of puppetry not only showcases regional artistic expressions but also tells stories deeply rooted in local traditions and folklore. Embracing these traditional puppetry forms allows us to preserve and celebrate India’s artistic legacy, ensuring that these captivating performances continue to enchant audiences for generations to come.

Please do read my other blogposts, link below:⏬

ORIGIN OF PUPPETRY IN INDIA

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUPPETS FOUND IN INDIA

THEMES OF PUPPETS SHOWS IN INDIA

FAMOUS PUPPETEERS IN INDIA.

ROLE OF PUPPETEER IN PUPPETRY SHOWS

KATHPUTLI-THE TRADITIONAL FOLK ART OF RAJASTHAN

PUTUL NAACH(DANCE):THE FOLK PUPPETRY OF WEST BENGAL

SHADOW PUPPETRY IN INDIA

ADVANTAGES OF PUPPETRY AS A MEDIUM FOR EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

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