Kathputlis of Rajasthan

A visit to Rajasthan is incomplete without a mention of Kathputlis. Not only do we enjoy the dance, but Kathputlis as decorative item is a part of every Rajasthani household. Let me tell you something more about it.

Kathputlis or wooden puppets are a common and popular form of entertainment in the villages of Rajasthan. The puppeteer is the storyteller who unwinds a folk tale or an episode from the Hindu epics - the Ramayana or the Mahabharata - along with the deft interplay of various puppets, each signifying a character in the tale.

Unfortunately, puppet theatre in India is under serious threat from television and cinema, and it may soon be curtains for this animated style of amusement. You may not find too many puppeteers these days, but what you will find is that these well-crafted marionettes are up for sale and look quite sensational in urban homes.

Have you ever seen this entertaining Kathputlis depicting the folklores of Rajasthan?

Thanks Meera for this wonderful thread. I believe Kathputlis are the true representation of Rajasthan and is also one of the flourishing industry in the state. It is engaged in the manufacture and export of unique and high quality handmade dolls known as ‘copa‘ dolls, traditional puppets, custom-made dolls, puppets and handicraft items.

Copa dolls are eco-friendly and are made out of cotton cloth & stuffing. They are embellished with beads & gotta, extending a rich traditional look. These dolls & puppets are available in variety of designs, sizes, colour combinations, themes etc.

You are absolutely right. A trip to Rajasthan is truly incomplete without the mention of Kathputlis. I've bought for myself and my friends some beautiful decorative puppets which now adorn my living room.

The puppets of Rajasthan are very charming due to their exaggerated eyes and lips and colorful dresses. These Puppets are the obvious expression of the human psyche, social and cultural practices, demo graphical differences and as such is a very important part of traditional knowledge and wisdom, passed on through generations.I'm really glad to have them and hope to buy some different ones in my next trip.

Kathputlis and puppet dance have always been a joy ever since we were kids. And it is true that even now, the fascination continues. I'm really envying Ishani for all the lovely puppets she has got.

Where do we get to buy them? We are planning a trip to Rajasthan. Please let me know what kinds of dolls and puppets I should look out for. Thanks in advance.

Lovingly,
Ash

The wooden toys are made in Udaipur and Soft tinted clay toys made in Merta in Nagaur are very popular among tourists. It is also famous for imitation dry fruit, which bear a striking resemblance to the real fruits.

Villages Bassi in Chittorgarh district is another noted centre for wooden toys where the entire village is engaged in wood-carving and in making wooden products.

Jaipur too is very well known for cloth dolls and toys which are generally dyed and stuffed with waste material. These toys are beautifully decorated with colourful paper with expression writ large on their faces.

Hi Friends,
Kathputlis fascinate and entertain adults and children universally. In Rajasthan puppet craft is fully developed and is a fundamental part of Rajasthan art and craft. Many of you must have witnessed the Kathputli dance and even bought some to decorate your living room. But do you know this Kathputlis form the basis to the livelihood of thousands of people in Rajasthan.

It is one of its kind craft. Even the young children and elderly people are involved in making puppets. Kathputlis or wooden puppets are produced by many artisans to earn their livelihood and many of the small children just make them because they enjoy this creative art. These puppets are commonly used for entertaining tourists and other guests in almost all the villages of Rajasthan.

There is storyteller who unwinds a fictitious folk tale or a real episode from the Hindu epics - the Ramayana or the Mahabharata. He makes use of these kathputlis while telling the story. Each puppet resembles a character in the tale. The film industry may have beaten the puppet theater in India but yet the significance of these artistic puppets still amuses the audience.

So the next time you watch Kathputlis dance or buy any, you know you are helping someone in Rajasthan... maybe some little hands ...who made those.

THANK YOU.