Kathputli Puppetry – The Traditional Folk art form of Rajasthan

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Puppets from different parts of India have their own identity. Rajasthani string puppets are known as Kathputli. A traditional folk dance, Kathputli is a puppet dance based on popular legends and performed by skilled puppeteers. Such is the popularity of the puppet-playing tradition in Rajasthan that the name of Kathputli Dance itself evokes images of Rajasthan and its folklores. The name derived from two joining words of Rajasthani language that is ‘kath meaning wood and Putli meaning a doll which has no life, hence KATHPUTLI means a doll made of wood.


Brief History of Kathputli:

kathputli or Rajasthani puppetry art is known to be originated a thousands years ago. At that time this art was practiced by the Bhati community. After them, this art also practised by ruling families in the stateand it become famous in the region.It is the most vibrant of  Rajasthani  folk culture and lagecy. According to a legend , Raja Vikramaditya of Ujjain was frightfully fond of puppets. His throne was chiseled with thirty two beautiful dolls. The first play was of thirty two puppets which portrayed the life and accomplishments of Vikramadity. The successors of the man, who initially demonstrated the play, performed a few shows for the later royal families in this manner picking up much acknowledgment and laud.


 Elements of Kathputli:

Kathputli puppets of Rajasthan is Carved from a single piece of wood. They are bright in colour and beautifully dressed. Large eyes with arched eyebrows and thin lips on an oval face are being specialized as an identity. The costumes and head gears are designed in the medieval Rajasthani style of dress, which is prevalent today. The Kathputli are of two feet in height. 
Performance of Kathputli:

Kathputli performance is one of the most popular performing arts of Rajasthan. Kathputli shows are performed during fairs and festive occasions. For performance, a small stage is set where the puppeteers would show puppetry and narrate the stories which are the reference of Rajasthani ballads, local folk tales and also the folk song. Sometimes, the puppeteers accomplish the ballad with various sound to make the performance highly dramatized version of the regional music, effect to give the show a greater impact.  Sometime themes of puppet shows are based on the stories Prithvi Raj Chauhan , Vikramaditya, Amar Sing Rathore and some other infamous legends. Puppeteers manipulate the puppets by making the puppets act and dance with two to five fingers and not to a prop or a support with greater dexterity. The puppeteer is accompanied with his assistance, which plays dholak or drum and sings the narrative songs. In the performance, music or narrative songs play a vital role.                        https://youtu.be/zu0Ao0PHMtQ                                 

CONCLUSION
Rajasthan is culturally rich state and the kings of Rajasthan were very fond of Art and Creativity, the kings of Rajasthan mainly encouraged the kathputli artists. Puppetry in Rajasthan is hereditary profession as the skill puppetry is handed down to next generation.

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

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