Types of Puppetry in India
India has a rich tradition of various types of puppetry that varies across regions, reflecting the country’s diverse cultures, languages, and artistic styles. These various types of puppetry in India illustrate the country’s diverse storytelling traditions, each with its unique style, materials, and techniques. They are not only a form of entertainment but also a means of preserving cultural heritage and passing down stories through generations.
Geography
History
Polity
Infrastructure
Miscellaneous
State | Puppetry Forms |
Rajasthan | Kathputli (String puppets), Bhopa (scroll paintings), Phad (cloth paintings), Katputli dance |
West Bengal | Putul Nach (glove puppets), Jatra (popular folk theatre), Thakurmar Jhuli (hand puppets) |
Karnataka | Gombeyatta (leather puppets), Togalu Gombeyatta (shadow puppets) |
Maharashtra | Tamasha (Marathi folk theatre with puppetry elements), Bahurupi (mask puppetry) |
Tamil Nadu | Bommalattam (String puppets), Thol Bommalata (leather puppets), Pavakoothu (shadow puppets) |
Uttar Pradesh | Kathputli (String puppets), Yatra (folk theatre with puppetry), Ramlila (puppet shows) |
Odisha | Kundhei Nach (glove puppets), Sakhi Kandhei (shadow puppets) |
Kerala | Tolpava Koothu (shadow puppets), Tholpavakoothu (leather puppets) |
Andhra Pradesh | Tholu Bommalata (leather puppets), Koyya Bommalata (string puppets) |
Assam | Putala Nach (glove puppets) |
Madhya Pradesh | Kathputli (String puppets), Nautanki (folk theatre with puppetry) |
Bihar | Kathputli (String puppets), Bhand Pather (folk theatre with puppetry) |