India’s Puppetry Tradition
Why in News?
- Commemorative Stamp Release: The Department of Posts released a set of eight commemorative stamps titled "Puppets of India". The stamps honour diverse forms including Kathputli, Pavakathakali, and Tolu Bommalatta.
Key Features on Indian Puppetry Traditions
India’s puppetry history dates back over 3,000 years, with references found in the Mahabharata and Silappadikaram. It is broadly classified into four major types:
- String Puppets (Marionettes):
- Kathputli (Rajasthan): Carved from wood, these puppets have no legs and are dressed in vibrant medieval Rajasthani attire.
- Gombeyatta (Karnataka): Highly stylized puppets based on Yakshagana theatre.
- Bommalattam (Tamil Nadu): The largest and heaviest puppets in India, manipulated by strings tied to an iron ring worn on the puppeteer's head.
- Shadow Puppets:
- Tholu Bommalata (Andhra Pradesh): Large, translucent leather puppets that cast colourful shadows on a lit screen.
- Ravanachhaya (Odisha): Uses jointless puppets made of deer skin to create bold black-and-white shadows.
- Glove Puppets:
- Pavakathakali (Kerala): Deeply influenced by Kathakali dance, these puppets mimic its costumes and dramatic expressions.
- Gulabo-Sitabo (Uttar Pradesh): A rare tradition focused on social satire and folk stories.
- Rod Puppets:
- Putul Nach (West Bengal): Large puppets (up to 1.2 metres) manipulated by rods from below.
- Yampuri (Bihar): Jointless wooden puppets that traditionally depict stories of Yama, the god of death.
Challenges and Preservation
- Threats: The art faces a decline due to competition from digital media (OTT/social media), lack of financial patronage, and the migration of younger generations to other professions.
- Modern Adaptations: Modern puppeteers now use the medium to address contemporary social issues like health, education, and climate change.
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