The Art of Shadow Puppetry in India
Shadow puppetry in India, a
time-honored tradition of narrative and amusement, showcases a rich cultural
heritage. From the intricate Togalu Gombeyatta of Karnataka to the vibrant
Tholu Bommalata of Andhra Pradesh, the captivating Ravanachhaya of Odisha, and
the traditional Chamdyacha Bhaulye of Maharashtra, each regional variation
tells stories steeped in history and tradition. These performances not only
entertain but also communicate significant messages to rural communities,
making them an integral part of festivals, rituals, and celebrations.
Traditional Indian Shadow Puppetry
Shadow play, also known as shadow puppetry, is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment that uses flat articulated cut-out figures (shadow puppets) placed between a light source and a translucent screen or scrim. The puppets' cut-out shapes sometimes include translucent colors or other types of detailing. Various effects can be achieved by moving both the puppets and the light source. A skilled puppeteer can make the figures appear to walk, dance, fight, nod, and laugh.
This
tradition of shadow puppetry survives in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Although shadow puppetry in these
regions has distinct identities, languages, and dialects, they share a common
worldview, aesthetics, and themes.
Togalu
Gombeyatta – Traditional Shadow Puppetry of Karnataka:
Tholu Bommalata – Traditional Shadow Puppetry of Andhra Pradesh:
Ravanachhaya – Traditional Shadow Puppetry of Odisha:
The shadow puppet form practiced in Odisha, known as Ravanachhaya, is one of the most theatrically exciting forms of shadow puppetry in India. The puppets do not have joints and are made from a single piece. They are not colored on either side, resulting in opaque shadows on the screen. Manipulating and moving the puppets requires great dexterity due to the lack of joints. The puppets are designed in bold, dramatic poses and are made from deer skin. Besides human and animal characters, various props such as mountains, trees, chariots, and houses are also used. The puppets create very sensitive, lyrical shadows on the screen. Ravanachhaya puppets are relatively small, not more than two feet tall.
Chamdyacha Bhaulye – Traditional Shadow Puppetry of Maharashtra:
The stage of Chamdyacha Bhaulye resembles a cubicle. Only one puppeteer squats inside the stage and manipulates the leather puppets in the order of their presentation. On the left side of the stage, in full view of the audience, sit the vocalist and other musical accompanists who sing the traditional text.
Shadow
puppet plays are also reflected in various pictorial traditions in India, such
as temple mural paintings, loose-leaf folio paintings, and narrative paintings.
Dance forms such as the Chhau of Odisha literally mean "shadow."
Shadow theatre is usually performed on platform stages attached to Hindu
temples. These shadow puppet plays communicate significant messages to the
rural community, besides providing entertainment. The performance begins with
an invocation on a ritually set-up stage in a village square or temple
courtyard. Shadow puppet performances are part of festivals, celebrations of
special occasions and rituals, and are sometimes staged to ward off evil
spirits.
However,
shadow theatre is slowly dying because people prefer "modern
entertainment" like movies and television.
Please do read my other blogposts, link below:⏬
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUPPETS FOUND IN INDIA
THEMES OF PUPPETS SHOWS IN INDIA
ROLE OF PUPPETEER IN PUPPETRY SHOWS
KATHPUTLI-THE TRADITIONAL FOLK ART OF RAJASTHAN
PUTUL NAACH(DANCE):THE FOLK PUPPETRY OF WEST BENGAL
ADVANTAGES OF PUPPETRY AS A MEDIUM FOR EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION
PUPPETRY AS MEDIUM FOR DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
EXPLORING THE COMPLEX CHARACTER OF NOBITA NOBI IN DORAEMON
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