Puppets stand out as one of humanity's most impressive and inventive creations. It's been suggested that a puppet often surpasses its live counterpart due to the captivating and enduring suggestive elements it embodies.

The term "puppet" stems from the Latin word "Pupa," translating to "doll." While puppetry is believed to have originated in India, the country hasn't fully explored its potential. The earliest mention of puppetry is found in the Tamil classic "Silappadikaaram," dating back to the first or second century B.C.

India boasts various puppetry forms:

— String Puppets

— Shadow Puppets

— Rod Puppets

— Glove Puppets

Across India, puppetry is practiced in 18 distinct traditions, including the 'Chamadyache Bahulya' (leather puppets) of Maharashtra, 'Beni Putul' (glove puppets) of West Bengal, 'Tholu Bommalata' (shadow puppets) of Andhra Pradesh, 'Tholpavakoothu' (shadow puppetry) of Kerala, and the traditional 'Kathputli' of Rajasthan.

Kathputli, Rajasthan

Crafted from a single piece of wood, these puppetry figures resemble large, vividly attired dolls.

Undhei, Odisha

Constructed from lightweight wood, Odisha puppets lack legs but sport long flowing skirts. With more joints, they are more flexible, articulate, and easier to manipulate.

Gombeyatta, Karnataka

Karnataka's string puppets, known as Gombeyatta, mirror the characters from Yakshagana, the region's traditional theater form.

Bommalattam, Tamil Nadu

These wooden puppets in Tamil Nadu have manipulation strings tied to an iron ring worn as a crown by the puppeteer.

Chitrakathi Puppetry – Maharashtra

Shadow Puppeteers – Kerala

Other Points to Consider

Other forms of Art

Different Puppetry Form